A top official said that the Energy Department is aware of its commitment and will take necessary steps if needed.
A top official said that the Energy Department is aware of its commitment and will take necessary steps if needed.
Vijayawada
focusing on speed closing of new units (2X800 MW) at Shree Damodaram Sanjivaiya Thermal Power Station (SDSTPS) and Dr Narla Tatarao Thermal Power Station (NTTPS), Department of Energy is planning to shut down old coal fired power plants duly mandated by the Ministry of Power ( mop). However, since the hasty closure of obsolete ones will cripple the ability to meet the growing demand for power, it has been decided to phase out units older than 25 years, one at a time but only for the overall The installed capacity including the above two new units after achieving stabilization.
Meanwhile, continuous efforts are being made to comply with the air quality norms prescribed under the National Clean Air Program, failing which heavy fines can be imposed.
As the desulfurization of flue gas involves heavy expenditure, it is being conditioned through ammonia dosing which is a proven technique to bring down the suspended particulate matter in the air.
Six out of seven units of NTTPS and two out of five units of Rayalaseema Thermal Power Plant (RTPP) are more than 25 years old and are facing compulsive closure.
All other thermal power units in the state including NTPC and Hinduja Group (both in Visakhapatnam) and SDSTPS were commissioned after 2002.
Thermal plants have to set up FGD (Flue Gas Desulfurization) units to control emissions, but since they are prohibitively expensive, and there are few other external factors, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has given an idea about compliance. Took a liberal approach. Pollution norms were to be followed by thermal plants across the country and had already deferred deadlines on a few occasions.
Since both NTTPS and RTPP are classified as ‘Remaining Plants’ (located beyond 10 km radius of critically polluted areas/non-attainment cities), they have at least one to meet the pollution norms. Long time frame. As of now, the deadline is 2024.
talking to HinduA top energy department official said the possibility of shutting down old thermal units is being explored, but the state cannot rush it as otherwise there will be a major disruption.
“We will phase out the old units, but not before stabilizing the new units of SDSTPS and NTTPS as the demand should be met 24X7, in 365 days. The total base load should be ensured and there should always be a fall-back option for renewable energy. Then there are cost and many other factors. Right now, there is no pressure on us to shut down the old units, but we are aware of our commitment and will take necessary steps at an appropriate time”, the official said.
Read also | The slow pace of BOP work remains a hindrance in the completion of the new 800 MW unit of NTTPS.