Tata Power Synchronised 800MW Sized Unit 2 of Mundra Power Project

OREANDA-NEWS. July 24, 2012. Tata Power, India’s largest integrated power utility, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Coastal Gujarat Power Limited (CGPL), announced synchronisation of 800MW sized Unit 2 of the country’s first Ultra Mega Power Project (UMPP) in Mundra, Gujarat.

With this, the total power generation capacity of Tata Power stands at 6,099MW, reinforcing its position as the largest private power producer in India. The company had commissioned Unit 1 of Mundra UMPP in March 2012. With synchronisation of Unit 2, the thermal power generation capacity of Tata Power stands at 5,247MW and the generation through clean sources such as hydro, wind and solar stands at 852MW.

The 4,000MW Mundra UMPP is the first of the UMPPs that heralds the entry of 800MW super-critical boiler technology in India, which is environment friendly and efficient. This technology and the choice of unit sizes helps save fuel for the project and cut down greenhouse gas emissions upto 15 percent as  compared to a sub-critical coal-fired power stations. In addition, the choice of coal significantly lowers sulphur emissions to virtually insignificant levels.

As compared to other sub-critical plants in India, this project will use 1.7 million tonnes of less coal per year while generating the same quantum of power. This not only makes available more coal in the long run for power generation but also reduces carbon emission of 3.6 tonnes per year.

Speaking on this milestone, Anil Sardana, managing director, Tata Power, said, “The synchronisation of Unit 2 of Mundra UMPP is a significant milestone given the power shortage in the country. Mundra power plant will not only provide affordable power but is also one of the most efficient and environment friendly plant due to super-critical technology and various environment initiatives supporting this state-of-the-art power plant. With this development, Tata Power's gross generation has crossed 6,000MW, reinforcing its position as the largest integrated power company in India. It is also wished that the company would receive a viable framework in response to its petition at CERC."

Apart from using super-critical technology and low sulphur imported coal, the company has initiated many environment friendly initiatives to limit the environmental impact of the plant and reduce green house gas emissions.

With a view to alleviating the possibility of fugitive emission from coal conveyors and stockpiles, CGPL has developed a unique 100metre wide peripheral green belt along the space between the boundary wall and coal yard. A mine metre high wind barrier is being set up at the coal yard to control any possible coal dust fugitive emissions due to Mundra coastal region’s high wind speeds. Dry fog systems is also being used to control dust emission. CGPL has set up covered coal conveyor with side wind shield to stop fugitive coal dust emission and continuously monitors for possible design related modifications that may be necessary to the conveyor. As a part of its solid waste management initiative for the project township, CGPL commissioned and is operating a biogas plant with capacity of 300kg/day. Efforts have also been made by CGPL to utilise solar power, through installation of Tata Solar Plant at the township, to cater to the hot water requirement for all the kitchens.

In addition to being compliant with government of India and Gujarat Pollution Control Board’s stipulations, the project is also compliant with the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) environmental and social standards. IFC’s performance standards are more stringent than India’s environmental and social guidelines. This assessment enabled the project to assess and mitigate the social impact on the local communities residing  in the surrounding region.

CGPL, in line with Tata Power’s philosophy, has also begun the journey of community development to address developmental needs of its neigbouring communities. It includes exploring and engaging, building and formalising, implementing actions and then continuously evaluating in a manner that institutionalises relationship with communities. The initiatives span the theme of education, health, income generation and livelihood, natural resource management, infrastructure and institution building.

Some of CGPL’s noticeable efforts include Project Sujaan, which has led to overall improvement in academic performance among the children, grazing land mitigation and providing fodder for (3,000) cattle in villages applauded by the national and state authorities; self-help group initiative providing support to 323 women of the villages by initiating microfinance activity and heath management comprising of prevention of blindness programme reaching out to 244 people. CGPL has also launched a project, Arogaya, for health check-up and treatment for the school children. CGPL with the assistance of grass root NGO also implemented Project Uttkarsh, a holistic community development programme catering to the needs of the community through their active participation. Uttkarsh is giving impetus to safe drinking water by installing RO plants, rural energy and water management by construction of check dams. There has also been the creation of Adarsh Agwanwadi, establishment of milk collection centres, activities related to farming, drip irrigation and many more.