CHAPTER – 6

THERMAL POWER DEVELOPMENT

6.1 Construction Monitoring of Commissioning programme of thermal

Thermal Power Projects generating units during 2005-06 is shown as
Annexure-6B.
Central Electricity Authority is New bench marks for synchronization for
closely monitoring the progress of various various thermal units achieved are as under:
construction activities of thermal projects
under execution in the Country for timely
commissioning. Regular visits are made by
Unit Old New
the officers to the sites for assessing the
Size Bench Bench
progress of various construction activities
Mark Mark
and rendering necessary advice/assistance in
resolving the problems being faced by the 500 49 37
project authorities to meet the schedule of MW Months Months
commissioning. Joint Co-ordination 250 32 28
Meetings (JCMs) are held in CEA with MW Months Months
project authorities, main plant & equipment
manufacturers and other equipment 210 32 26
suppliers to review the progress. MW Months Months
Monitoring mechanism in CEA has been
strengthened & Nodal officers have been
nominated for each project for monitoring 6.1.1 Achievement of Commercial
the progress of a project. Operation of Newly Commissioned
Units
The major constraints in timely
achievement of various milestones are After synchronisation of the units,
identified and taken up at various levels like the status of completion of pending works is
MoP/ State Govt./ Project authorities to also monitored and follow-up actions taken
resolve the issues. for early commercial operation of the units.

The year wise targets of thermal capacity Out of 8 nos. thermal units, which
addition vis-à-vis achievement during last were under stabilisation during 2004-05, the
three years of 10th Plan are given below: commercial operation of TDL Thermal
Power Station-St.V U-7 (250MW),
Ramagundam STPS St. III U-7 (500MW),
Year Target Achieve % Talcher STPP St.II U-5 (500 MW) and
(MW) ment Achieve Mejia TPS Extn. U-4 (210MW) has been
(MW) ment achieved. However, the thermal units viz.
2002 3502.1 2223.1 108 TDL Thermal Power Station-Stage-V, U-8
-03 (250MW), Talcher STPP St.II U-6
2003 1361.6 1437.34 105.5 (500MW), Rihand STPS St.II Unit-3
-04 (500MW) and Akrimota Lignite based TPP
U-1 (125MW) are still under stabilization
2004 3161.52 2933.92* 92.8
and will be declared in commercial
-05
operation in due course.
*for details see Annexure-6A
6.2 Thermal Technology Development
Central Electricity Authority
provides the leadership in introducing new
technologies for thermal power stations. In
the current year with the help of other
experts in the field of thermal power, CEA
has come out with its recommendation for
introduction of 800 – 1000 MW supercritical
units in the country. Under the initiative
taken by Member (Thermal), CEA, efforts
are being made to identify the right
technologies, major technical parameters,
sizing of auxiliary equipments etc are being
taken up. CEA also plays a major role in the
introduction of clean coal technologies.
The choice of technology for a
power project depends on a number of
factors viz. Unit size, location of the project,
fuel type, other inputs available, likely
emissions and permissible emission levels.
Each of these aspects has a bearing on the
installation and operation costs of the project
and the net impact of these factors gets
reflected in the tariff. The maturity and
provenness of technology, its availability at
competitive costs and reliable support
during entire project life is also given due
consideration. There are various
technologies available for power generation
in Indian Power sector and new technologies
coming up with more efficiencies and
environment friendly.
6.2.1 Clean Coal Technologies
Green House Gas (GHG) emissions
from thermal power stations have been
drawing greater attention in the recent past.
The efficiencies of turbine and boiler need
to be improved to reduce the GHG
emissions. The continued use of high ash
content coal in electricity generation
involves a number of issues and concerns.
Some major concerns are:
i) Higher plant initial cost
ii) Higher auxiliary power consumption
in Coal/Ash handling systems
iii) Emissions of Green House Gases
(GHG), Suspended Particulate
Matter (SPM), Sox, NOx etc.
iv) Ash disposal issues
v) Environmental impacts due to coal
mining/ transport
vi) Low plant availability due to higher
forced outages.
vii) Lower operational efficiency
6.2.1.1 Supercritical Technology
Super-critical units which provide
better plant efficiency have been operational
in the world for the last three decades in
various unit sizes ranging from 500 to 1300
MW. Most of the super critical units are
operating in USA, Russia, Japan, Germany,
Italy & South Korea. Design of these units
vary from manufacturer to manufacturer in
regard to boiler configuration (two pass or
tower type), type of water wall tubing
(vertical or spiral, bare or rifled) start up
system etc. So far in India, we do not have
any operating plant with supercritical
parameters. Many units of 660 MW
capacity are now planned with supercritical
technology at Sipat, Barh etc.
However, with a view to decide on
optimal size and supercritical parameters of
the thermal units to be inducted in the Indian
power sector based on various techno-
economic considerations, the “Committee to
recommend the next higher unit size for
Coal Fired Thermal Power Stations” was
constituted by the Central Electricity
Authority with representatives from
utilities, manufacturers, Ministry of Power
and Planning Commission. The Committee
in its report has recommended 800- 1000
MW as the next higher size of Unit with
Super Critical parameters in view of the
advantages which are brought out in the
report.
6.2.1.2 Circulating Fluidized Bed
Combustion (CFBC)
CFBC technology used for power
plant applications entails higher cost as
compared to PC technology. However, cost
is comparable when PC technology
necessitates installation of FGD system.
World over, maximum size of CFBC
units is around 300 MW. First 250 MW unit
was installed in France (Gardanne) in 1995.
Currently, quite a few 250 MW units are
operating using different fuels viz. coal,
lignite, petcoke etc.
CFBC technology has selectively
been applied in India for firing lignite.
Following power stations in India have
adopted CFBC technology:
* Surat lignite (2x125 MW) - under
operation
* Akrimota (2x125 MW) - under
installation
* Neyveli (2x250 MW) - under installation
6.2.1.3 Coal Beneficiation
Indian coal as available to power
generation is by and large poor quality with
high ash content. This coal quality gets
further deteriorated through
overburden/extraneous matters during
mining, primarily due to lack of adequate
safeguards and quality control. Power plant
operators are continuously demanding for
more consistent quality coal. The possible
options are to go for washed coal or to adopt
coal blending to improve the coal quality.
Coal beneficiation as a possible route for
coal quality improvement has great
potential. In view of the fact that a large
number of power plants are located much
farther from the coal mine, any cost incurred
in reducing ash content by 8 to 10% through
coal beneficiation gets compensated through
reduced transportation cost for stations
located at a distance of 600-700 km or more.
In addition, there are benefits of using
beneficiated coal such as lower initial capital
cost, improved plant performance, reduced
O&M etc. Even in the case of pithead
stations, any effort to improve the coal
quality by merely removing the extraneous
matter would go a long way in improving
plant performance. Blending of high & low
ash coals is another option which could be
considered as an approach to meet the
environment restrictions. The
characteristics of blends of two or more
coals may not be proportional to the ratio of
the individual coals in the blends. Hence, in
dealing with operational and environmental
issues relating to blends, it is necessary to
carry out extensive and detailed
investigation on grinding characteristics,
combustion characteristics and
environmental impact potential for the
individual as well as different blends. CEA
has carried out a techno-economic study reg.
use of Washed Coal Vs. ROM Coal and the
report is under finalisation.
6.2.1.4 Integrated Gasification Combined
Cycle
Integrated Gasification Combined
Cycle (IGCC) System is one of the clean
coal technologies in which coal is converted
into gaseous fuel which after cleaning is
used in CCGT plants. The IGCC systems,
which are commercially available have
shown higher efficiencies and exceptionally
good environmental performance in Sox
removal, Nox reduction and particulate
removal. IGCC, if commercially proven,
will be one of the most attractive power
generation technologies for the 21st century.
Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle
technology is also being considered in view
of the development of advanced gas turbines
with very high efficiencies. The Project
Advisory Group set up by MOP with
Chairman CEA as its Chairman, submitted
its Report during Jan, 1999 for setting up a
100 MW IGCC demonstration Project either
at NTPC Dadri or at Kaperkheda TPS of
MSEB. NTPC Dadri was ranked No. 1 in
order of Preference. An Inter-Ministerial
Steering Group under the Chairmanship of
Secretary (Power) was constituted with the
approval of Union Minister of State for
Power (Independent charge) for monitoring
the IGCC Demonstration Project. The
Group which included CEA also was
intended to establish clearly whether the
coal intake comes down through the IGCC
process and to assess the suitability of
gasifying the Indian coal as well as
establishing the economics of the project
and for initiating measures for setting up a
demonstration project. The group decided
that a 100 MW IGCC demonstration plant
will be set up at NTPC, Auraiya jointly by
BHEL and NTPC.
6.2.1.5 Integrated Solar – Thermal and
Combined Cycle – Nuclear
Technology
Our country is gifted with vast
potential to generate electric power from
solar energy. Direct solar insolation for over
10 months in a year are available in the Thar
desert stretching over vast areas of
Rajasthan and Gujarat. Even if 1% of it is
used, it can generate about 6000 MW of
electric power. The high initial cost of Solar
power plant prevents its commercialization.
However, Solar with Coal fired and
combined cycle with Nuclear energy options
are being studied in CEA to have better
techno-economics of power generation.
6.2.1.6 Coal Bed Methane ( CBM ) :
A number of coal fields in the
country are associated with the presence of
methane. Coal bed methane can be tapped
by drilling bore holes as in the case of
natural gas. This CBM reserve has been
estimated to be 486.55 billion cubic metres.
The amount of methane stored in coal is
related to the rank and the depth of the Coal.
Higher the Coal ranks and the deeper the
coal is presently buried, the greater its
capacity to hold gas. Oil and Natural Gas
Corporation has already drilled Research &
Development wells in Raniganj Coal Fields.
A GEF funded project for exploration of
CBM, with UNDP as the implementing
agency is also in progress. The project
could also reduce the methane emission in
the atmosphere and help to use it gainfully
for power generation. A CBM Policy in for
its exploration and exploitation in the
country is understood to be existing. The
policy provides for fiscal terms and
contractual arrangements to explore and
exploit CBM. Raniganj, Jharia, Bokaro and
North Karanpura are the basins estimated to
have the best CBM potential in India. It is
estimated that the gas reserves in Jharia and
Raniganj fields will be about 200 Billion
cubic metres. If CBM can be exploited
economically, it will be valuable fuel for
power generation and other applications.
However, this fuel is still at the exploratory
stage. Adequate proven resource and
techno economics will have to be
established before considering it as a viable
option.
6.2.2 Other Clean Technologies
6.2.2.1 Combined Cycle Technology :
With increased availability of natural
gas/ LNG, it is but natural to install
combined cycle plants because of various
inherent advantages such as short gestation
period, less space requirement, environment
friendly native and easy to operate &
control. There has been a steady progress in
combustion turbine technology with
availability of large capacity advanced class
higher efficiency gas turbines in the range
upto 330 MW ratings and single shaft
machines. The performance of gas turbine
technology has improved dramatically over
the past twenty years. The thermal
efficiency of gas turbine power systems has
more than doubled at the same time
reliability has improved and emission levels
have decreased significantly. The
thermodynamic improvements that have
allowed for such a dramatic increase in gas
turbine efficiency have been identified as
rise in Gas Turbines inlet temperature,
pressure, multi-pressure steam supply, and
optimization of losses.
6.2.2.2 Fuel Cell Technology :
Fuel cells are electro-chemical
devices that convert energy from fuel
directly into electricity through electro-
chemical reactions. These cells normally
use hydrogen directly as fuel or as derived
from natural gas or other hydro carbons.
About 4-5 major technologies for fuel cells
are in various stages of development
worldwide. A fuel cell development
programme is under way in India under the
ageis of Ministry of Non-conventional
Energy Sources and several organizations
like BHEL, SPIC, Indian Institute of
Science, Bangalore, Central Glass and
Ceramic Research Institute, Calcutta have
undertook research projects for
development of various technologies of fuel
cells indigenously. M/s BHEL are in the
process of developing 25 kW fuel cell stack
with Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell (PAFC)
technology. A study to observe
performance of imported 200 kW fuel cells
stack under Indian conditions is also in
progress at BHEL. M/s SPIC are in the
process of developing 5 KW solid polymer
fuel cells stacks. M/s Electrochemical
Institute, are engaged in Molten Carbonate
Fuel Cell (MCFC) technology. Project for
development of direct methanol fuel cell is
in progress at IISc., Bangalore under a
UNDP research programme. Fuel cell
applications include distributed generation
in hospitals, airports, research institutes etc.
Apart from power generation, variants of
fuel cell also find applications for transport
in electric driven vehicles.
6.3 Important Works Carried out:
a) Technical Standard on Operation Norms
for Coal/Lignite based power stations
and Combined Cycle Gas Turbine
Stations was finalized and sent to CERC.
Operation Norms for DG Power Stations
are under finalisation.
b) Based on the recommendations of the
committee, next higher size of coal fired
thermal units adopted is 800-1000 MW
supercritical unit. A task force has been
constituted for its induction along with
suitable provisions of technology
transfer.
c) Standard specifications for ‘Steam
generator and auxiliaries and ‘Steam
Turbine generator for 500 MW unit’
were finalised.
d) Technical Standard for ‘Quality
Assurance at Manufacturers’ works for
Thermal Power Generating Stations was
under preparation.
e) Study for assessment of consumptive
water requirement for TPS in the country
running on open & closed cycle mode of
condenser cooling is in progress.
f) A report on the economics of use of
washed coal in large sized pit head
station was prepared after visiting Power
Stations and Coal Washeries across the
country.
g) Safety standards for thermal Power
Generating Stations were prepared as per
requirements of section 73(c) of
Electricity Act 2003.
h) R&D proposals of four prioritized theme
areas in Thermal & Nuclear power
generation have been finalized and got
the same approved by the Standing
Committee on R&D.
i) Under the Thermal Technology
Improvement programme scheme
approved by MoP, Softwares for thermal
power station design, piping design &
stress analysis, civil structure design &
analysis, cost & performance analysis
were procured and concerned engineers
were provided training on these
softwares.
j) Review of new technology options:
(i) Burning Intensification Technology.
(ii) Computer Flow Dynamics in the boiler
to minimize system pressure drop
(iii) Water consumption optimization in
ash handling system & dry cooling
system.
(iv) Integration of nuclear cycle with Gas
turbine Combined Cycle for
maximising overall efficiency.
6.4 Other Technology related
Activities:
a) Feasibility Report of R&M of Coal
Handling Plant and Control &
Instrumentation system of Main plant of
Chandrapur TPS scrutinized and
recommendations sent to DVC.
b) The Techno-Commercial offers received
for the ash handling plant of Giral
Lignite Power Project (1x125 MW)
scrutinized and comments sent to
RRVUN.
c) Report on Free Governor Mode of
Operation in Thermal units was finalised
& submitted to Central Electricity
Regulatory Commission (CERC) in
fulfillment of the advice sought by them.
This report was prepared in consultation
with major utilities and equipment
manufacturers after field trials of the
modified scheme.
6.5 Investigation of failures
i) G T- 6 failure at Raichur TPS
ii) G T-1 failure at Tau Devi Lal
Thermal Power Station, Panipat
iii) Turbine Bearings Failure at Unit II
(120 MW) of Tau Devi Lal Thermal
Power Station
6.6 Technical advice
Technical advice was sought by
regulators/ State governments/ utilities/
other govt. departments on various issues
under Section 73 (m) of Electricity Act
2003. Some of the major advices given are:
(i) Provision of Bus sectionalizer
breakers in 220 KV common bus
bar at 515 MW Combined cycle
power plants at Hazira
(ii) Bid evaluation report for Tenughat
TPS extension.
(iii) Formulation of methodology for
restructuring ownership of a
centrally owned thermal power
station.
(iv) Norms on Heat rate & O&M
expenses for Indraprastha Power
Generation Company Limited.
(v) Review of co-generation project at
Ajaibpur sugar complex as desired
by MOE&F.
(vi) Operational limitations for
minimum load with use of tube
mills as referred to by APGENCO.
(vii) Determination of installed capacity
for a combined cycle Gas based
plant as referred by APTRANSCO.
(viii) Extension of foreign collaboration
for Waste Heat Recovery Steam
Generators by Indian manufacturer.
(ix) Issue related to minimum draw
down level at Rihand reservoir.
(x) Issues related with modifications in
Indian Boiler Regulations.
6.7 Renovation & Modernisation of
Thermal Power Stations
In order to improve the performance
of existing Thermal Power Stations, a
Renovation and Modernisation (R&M)
Programme called Phase-I R&M
Programme was launched by the
Government of India all over the country in
September 19 84 for completion during the
Seventh Plan Period. This programme was
successfully completed and intended
benefits were achieved.
6.7.1 R&M (Phase-II) Programme
In view of the encouraging results
achieved from the Phase-I programme, the
Phase-II programme for R&M of 44 nos. of
thermal power stations was taken up in the
year 1990-91. Power Finance Corporation
(PFC) was assigned to provide loan
assistance to the State Electricity Boards for
R&M works. All the schemes were
identified by the Roving teams comprising
of engineers from CEA, BHEL and
concerned utilities. An expenditure of
Rs.862 crores was incurred and an
additional generation of 5000 MU/ year has
been achieved. Also, the Life Extension
works on 4 units (300 MW) of Neyveli
Thermal Power Station were completed.
6.7.2 9th Plan Programme
The CEA reviewed the progress of
Phase-II R&M Programme and the balance
activities still required to be carried out were
included in the 9th Plan Programme along
with the subsequently identified additional
activities. During the 9th Plan Programme,
127 Units (17306 MW) at 29 Power Stations
at an estimated cost of Rs.913 crores were
taken up for R&M. The works have almost
completed. In addition, another 25 units
(1685 MW) for Life Extension at an
estimated cost of Rs.1700 crores. Life
Extension works on all the 25 units planned
for 9th five year plan have been completed.
6.7.3 10 th Plan Programme
During the 10th plan, 106 old thermal
units with a total capacity of about 10413
MW at an estimated cost of Rs.9200 crores
have been identified for Life Extension
Works. Out of 106 units, Life Extension
works of 7 units have been completed and
further action is being taken by concerned
SEBs/utilities to carryout the works on
remaining units. After implementation of
life extension (LE) schemes, the economical
operating life of the units will get extended
by another 15-20 years besides the overall
improvement in the performance of the
units. Also R&M works on 57 units (14270
MW) at an estimated cost of Rs.977 crores
have been identified for improvement of
their performance.
6.7.4 Programme for the year 2004-05
During the year 2004-05, the work of
Life Extension of Korba East (unit 5) and
Kothagudem (unit-7) were completed.
6.7.5 Roving Teams
A number of thermal power stations
are operating at sub-optimal level of
performance with low availability and
efficiency. In order to improve the over-all
performance of the under performing
thermal power stations, CEA have
constituted Plant Performance Improvement
Groups called Roving Teams comprising
engineers from CEA, BHEL, NTPC, SEBs
etc. These teams visit the power plants and
suggest the measures for improvement of
their performance. The Team draws an
action plan and regularly monitors the
performance and also take up follow up
visits to the plant till their performance
improves to the desired level. During the
year 2004-05, the Roving teams have visited
Amarkantak (1x30+1x20+2x120 MW),
Kutch Lignite (2x70+1x75 MW) and
Parichha (2x110 MW) thermal power plants.
6.8 O&M Safety Standards (OSS) for
Thermal Power Plants
As per section 73 (c) and 53 (a) of
Electricity Act, 2003, CEA is required to
formulate Safety Standards for construction
and O&M of electrical plants and lines. An
Advisory Committee for formulating Safety
Standards for thermal generation sector was
constituted under the Chairmanship of
Member (Thermal), CEA. The Safety
Standards have since been finalized and
report submitted by the Committee.
6.8.1 Quality Assurance Standards
(QAS) during O&M of Thermal
Power Plants
An Advisory Committee for
formulating Quality Assurance Standards
(QAS) for Thermal Generation Sector was
constituted under the chairmanship of
Member (Thermal), CEA. Various meetings
were convened and drafts Quality Assurance
Standards (QAS) during O&M of thermal
power plants were prepared.
6.9 Environment Management
Chief Engineer (C&E) represents
CEA on the “Expert Committee”
reconstituted by MoE&F for Environment
Impact Assessment of Thermal Power
Projects. CEA collects and analyses the
environmental related data from power
stations for environmental up-gradation in
respect of power projects. CEA also
provides input data to MoEF during the
appraisal of schemes by the committee for
the clearance of projects from environmental
angle. During the period April 2004 –
March 2005, the Expert Committee
considered 26 projects with an installed
capacity of 24008 MW out of which 21
projects with the installed capacity of 13138
MW were recommended for clearance from
environmental angle.
6.9.1 Green House Gases Mitigation
The Asian Institute of Technology
(AIT), Bangkok, Thailand had taken up a
research project titled “Mitigating
Environmental Emissions from Power
Sector: analysis of technical and policy
options in selected Asian countries” funded
by Swedish International Development
Agency (SIDA). CEA & IIT, Kanpur were
selected by AIT National Research Institute
for phase-III of the programme after the
successful completion of ARRPEEC phase-
II. Under phase-III, the objective of the
programme was "Mitigating environmental
emissions from the power sector in selected
Asian countries - strategies for promotion of
Energy Efficient Technologies". Studies
under this programme have been completed
in Nov. 2004 and reports have been
submitted to AIT, Bangkok.
6.10 Fly Ash Utilisation
At Present, the installed capacity of
coal/lignite based TPS in the country is
about 67,791 MW as on 31.5.05 and the
figure is likely to increase with coming up of
thermal capacity of 11115 MW by
remaining period of Xth Plan and 30,000.
MW during XIth Plan aggregating to total
coal/lignite capacity as 108906. MW at the
end of XIth Plan. It is estimated that from a
total thermal capacity (coal/lignite) based
TPS of 108906 MW by end of XIth Plan, the
ash generated in the form of by products
generated from the lignite/coal based TPS is
ash in the form of fly ash (80-90%) and
bottom ash (10-20%). (considering 38% ash
content as an average and at 80% PLF)
would be of the order of 181.26 million
tones per annum. Since the economics prefer
installation of coal/lignite based TPS near
the source of coal/lignite i.e. pit head, ash
generated is to be utilized in various ways
by locating industries in the vicinity
depending upon characteristics and other
engineering properties of the ash.
Presently, the ash based products are
at developmental stage and need to be made
more environmental friendly by bringing ash
revolution. Some of the areas of application
include:
(i) Brick/Block/Tiles manufacturing
(ii) Cement manufacturing
(iii) Roads and embankment construction
(iv) Structural fill for reclaiming low
lying areas
(v) Mines fill
(vi) Agriculture, Forestry and Wasteland
development
(vii) Part replacement of cement in mortar
and concrete
(viii) Hydraulic structure (Roller
compacted concrete)
(ix) Ash Dyke Raising
(x) Building components – Mortar,
Concrete, Concrete Hollow Blocks,
Aerated Concrete Blocks etc.
(xi) Other medium & high value added
products (Ceramic tiles, wood,
paints,.) payment blocks, Light
weight aggregate, extraction of
alumina, cenospheres etc.
As mentioned above, by the end of
2012, the ash likely to be generated from
1,01,311 MW coal/lignite thermal capacity
shall be of the order of 168.622 million
tones per annum. Until or unless ways and
means are developed for utilization of
enormous amount of ash are not adopted, the
situation would become unmanageable/out
of control. One of the measures that the
Govt. has initiated is regulation enacted by
 MoE&F for 100% ash utilization. This is Tariff Policy, the recovery of expenses
being enforced by the Court of Law. Owing incurred towards utilization / disposal of ash
to the difficulties faced by the generating produced at fossil-fuel based power
companies in disposing off ash generated generating stations.
continuously. Govt. of India is considering
creation of Fly Ash Missions at various 6.10.1 Monitoring of Fly Ash Generation
levels which are likely to promote & help in & Utilization
developing infrastructure facilities for
utilizing ash in a big way so as to achieve Central Electricity Authority
the target of 100% utilization by 2009. A continued to monitor the fly ash generation
number of measures are being taken to and ash utilization of coal/lignite based
encourage various sectors to consume ash. thermal power plants pertaining to power
The expenditure incurred by ash producer in utilities of the Centre and the states.
relation to measure required to be taken for
ash utilization are required to be passed The progressive ash utilization data
through the tariff until the time when ash up to the year 2003-04 has been compiled in
starts getting paid for itself. In this context, the Graph shown as under :-
CEA has suggested to MoP to include in the
PROGRESSIVE ASH GENERATION & UTILIZATION OF COAL/ LIGNITE BASED T.P.S.

120

100
CAPACITY(MWX1000)
ASH GEN. [MTPA]

80
ASH UTI.[MTPA]

NOS.OF TPS.
%AGE UTI.

60

40

20

0 1992- 1993- 1994- 1995- 1996- 1997- 1998- 1999- 2000- 2001- 2002- 2003-
93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04
No.of TPStns. covered 33 33 32 35 68 76 75 76 77 74 76 83
Instd.cap. covered MWx1000 29.543 29.543 22.136 30.868 46.52 53.337 53.395 56.462 54.999 54.641 57.297 62.037
Flyash production MTPA 34.955 36.411 28.992 41.43 68.882 78.055 78.987 74.028 86.294 82.805 91.651 96.28
Flyash Utilization MTPA 0.81 1.29 2.366 2.739 6.635 8.433 9.604 10.88 13.505 15.606 20.787 28.17
%age Utilization % 2.317 3.513 8.161 6.611 9.634 10.804 12.159 14.696 15.650 18.850 22.680 29.26
Fly Ash gen. per 1000mw (MTPA) 1.183 1.232 1.310 1.342 1.481 1.463 1.479 1.311 1.569 1.515 1.600 1.552
flyash utilization per 1000mw (MTPA) 0.027 0.043 0.1068 0.088 0.1426 0.158 0.179 0.1926 0.245 0.285 0.363 0.454

YEARS

6.10.2 Dry Ash Collection Scheme
Scheme of dry ash collection to be taken
up by the Generating Companies is elucidated
as under:
Ministry of Environment & Forests vide
notification dated 14th September 1999 and
subsequent Amendments dated 27-8-2003 to
this notification have made it mandatory that
every coal or lignite based thermal power plant
shall take steps to ensure the utilisation of ash
generated by it. The steps mentioned include
making available ash for various uses and
utilisation of fly ash in accordance with an
action plan so as to achieve 100% utilisation
within a time period of nine or 15 years as the
case may be. These steps were meant to
protect the environment, conserve top soil and
prevent the dumping and disposal of fly ash
discharged from coal or lignite based thermal
power plants on land. As a result of follow up
& persuasion actions from Central Government
Agencies and of their own, a number of state/
union territory governments have initiated steps
to facilitate & enhance use of bottom ash as well
as fly ash generated in thermal power stations.
The first step towards the above is to
extract and collect the ash in dry form for its
disposal to achieve 100% ash utilisation. In the
above context it was felt necessary to evolve a
standard scheme for dry ash collection and
disposal system. CEA is presently developing a
scheme for 100% Ash utilization for a typical
1000 MW Thermal Power Station having 2
units of 500 MW each.
6.11 Selection of sites for thermal
projects
To accelerate the hydro power
development, 50,000 MW hydro electric
initiative was launched by Hon’ble Prime
Minister of India on May 24, 2003. Keeping in
view the huge power generation capacity
requirement, Ministry of Power/CEA has
proposed 100,000 MW environment friendly
Thermal initiative with an aim to have a shelf of
well prepared detailed project reports (DPRs).
In the context of the need to set up
additional thermal power stations to meet the
power requirements of the country up to the
year 2012 AD and beyond, CEA has in Sept.,
2001 constituted a committee under the
Chairmanship of Member (Thermal) and
consisting of members from different
Ministries/Deptts./SEBs etc. for selection of
sites for large coastal/Pit head and other
Thermal Power Stations. As the process of
selection of sites is of continuous nature, the
above mentioned Committee has been converted
into a Standing Committee. Teams consisting of
the members of the Committee from CEA,
Planning Commission, MOE&F, CMPDI,
Railways etc. are being constituted for visiting
from time to time the sites tentatively identified
by the State agencies. These teams are also
interacting with various States/Central
departments for assessing the availability of
various inputs required for setting up of
Thermal Power Plants like land, water, fuel etc.
The Standing Committee
constituted by CEA is in the process of
identifying new sites in consultation with the
State Utilities. CEA has awarded studies to
CMPDI and NRSA for identification of large
pithead and coastal sites respectively by using
satellite mapping through remote sensing.
CMPDI has submitted the report for the
36,000 MW pit head power plant sites
identified near the coal blocks in the eight
major coalfields. They have also identified
additional coal blocks for 24,000 MW
capacity for which they will be identifying the
power plant sites. NRSA has submitted the
reports for coastal sites in Gujarat &
Maharashtra. They are carrying out study for
the other coastal states.
Based on the reports of the teams
of the Committee which visited identified sites
in different states, the Reports of
CMPDI/NRSA and details of various other
sites compiled by the Committee, a large shelf
of potential sites has been created. Many sites
from this shelf have been identified for
benefits during the 11th Plan. The reports of
CMPDI & NRSA have been forwarded to
concerned State Govts/ NTPC for
development of the identified sites.
Under the 100,000 MW
environmental friendly thermal initiative, it
is proposed to utilize the services of public
sector generating companies and
consultancy organizations for carrying out
preliminary site investigations, preparation
of Pre-Feasibility Reports (PFR), tie-up of
inputs and obtaining statutory/non-statutory
clearances in the name of project and
preparation of DPRs in a time bound
programme.
Higher size coal based units of 800-
1000 MW of environment friendly super
critical technology with standardized
designs are proposed to be introduced to
achieve the huge capacity addition
programme. In order to reduce the cost,
bulk ordering for 10-12 sets of large size
units is being envisaged. A task force will
be set up with members drawn from
generating companies interested in bulk
purchase for preparation of tender
specifications with the help of international
consultants.

It is proposed that coal blocks shall

be handed over to developer for mining coal
with emphasis on use of washed coal. 100%
ash utilization is being envisaged since start
up of plant. Ash will be pulverized &
supplied to actual user inis envisaged to tie-
up with cement and other ash based
industries for location of their plants near
the sites of the power plants. Special
emphasis shall be given on plantation of
trees to keep entire area green.

During the year 2004-05 the

committee identified the following sites :

Maharastra Bhusawal 500 MW

Uran CCPP 400 MW
DVC Areas Kodarma 2000 MW
Ramgarh 2000 MW
M. Pradesh Singrauli 2000 MW
Bansagar 2000 MW
Jabalpur 2000 MW

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