India reportedly orders captive coal plants to maximize power output

India has ordered more than 100 captive coal-fired power plants to operate at full capacity starting October 1, The Economic Times reports. The federal power ministry’s directive covers plants with installed capacities of at least 50 megawatts and is intended to meet rising electricity demand. The report says nearly 40% of coal-fired plants have low fuel stocks amid increasing power needs due to El Niño.