Singareni Thermal Power Plant (STPP), situated in Telangana, is poised to become a pioneer among public sector thermal power stations in Southern India. It’s also leading the way among State Public Sector Units (PSUs) across the nation by installing its Flu Gas Desulphurization (FGD) system. The plant has achieved 100% fly ash utilization and received the Best Fly Ash Utilization award twice.
Key Facts about the FGD Plant at STPP
The FGD plant will treat sulphur and other gases (like nitrogen oxides) produced when coal is burnt to generate electricity. This process significantly reduces the release of harmful Sulphur Dioxide into the environment. FGD systems come in “wet” or “dry” types, corresponding to the phase when the flue gas reactions occur. The four kinds of FGD systems include Wet FGD systems, Spray Dry Absorbers (SDA), Circulating Dry Scrubbers (CDS), and Dry Sorbent Injection (DSI).
According to guidelines from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), all coal-based power plants must install FGD plants by the end of 2026 for non-retiring plants, and by December-end of 2027 for retiring plants.
The gypsum produced by the FGD plant can be used in various industries like fertilizers, cement, paper, textiles, and construction. It’s expected that selling this gypsum will contribute to maintaining the FGD plant.
Status of Thermal Power Sector in India
Thermal power has been a significant contributor to electricity generation in India, accounting for approximately 75% of the country’s total installed power capacity. As of May 2022, India has an overall Thermal installed capacity of 236.1 GW, with coal providing 58.6% of the thermal power.
Challenges Faced by India’s Thermal Power Plants
Despite being a major power source, thermal power plants in India have been associated with several problems. The environmental impact is one of the most significant issues, with these plants releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and other pollutants into the atmosphere.
Furthermore, these plants consume considerable amounts of water, leading to water scarcity in some regions. They also heavily rely on coal, most of which is imported, resulting in supply disruptions and erratic prices.
Many thermal power plants are state-owned and facing financial losses due to escalating coal prices, inadequate demand, and other factors. Aging infrastructure is another challenge, as many of these plants were established in the 1970s and 1980s and require significant upgrades.
The increasing popularity and reduced cost of renewable energy sources is posing a competitive threat to thermal power plants, reducing their demand and profitability.
Strategies for Enhancing Thermal Power Sector Performance
To mitigate the challenges faced by thermal power plants, several measures can be adopted. Installing FGD plants, as mentioned earlier, is an essential step towards controlling air pollution. Better quality coal can lead to fewer emissions and improved efficiency, while modernizing existing plants can improve performance and minimize environmental impact.
Improving efficiency is also critical to reducing cost and enhancing the competitiveness of the thermal power sector. This can be achieved through the adoption of energy-efficient practices and advanced technologies.
