The coal requirement of AP-Genco is expected to increase from the present 26 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) to nearly 33.20 MTPA, including 2.15 MTPA of imported coal which has low ash content, in 10 years for a projected thermal energy generation of approximately 49,220 Million Units (MU).
The total coal-based generation capacity addition for 2019-24 has been pegged at 4,060 MW and 7,765 MW by 2028-29. By that year, the total installed thermal capacity will 19, 660 MW, according to official sources.
As on date, the AP-Genco has 37,183 MU of coal-based generation, which is being significantly ramped up by 1,600 MW (800 MW each) at the Dr. Narla Tatarao Thermal Power Station in Vijayawada and the Sri Damodaram Sanjeevaiah Thermal Power Station at Krishnapatnam in Nellore district, both expected to be commissioned in 2020.Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited is executing the Boiler-Turbine-Generator (BTG) contracts at both those plants and they are in advanced stages.
Primary sources
As far as the availability of coal is concerned, Singareni Collieries Company Limited and Mahanadi Coalfields Limited are the primary sources of supply.
While making the coal-based capacity addition, the AP-Genco is making efforts to increase the share of renewables in the total energy mix from 6,530 MW (March 2018) to 10,355 MW by March 2029.
The hydel capacity (AP-Genco) stands at 1,800 MW, which is set to go up to 2,845 MW from March 2029. It includes 12 units of 80 MW each of Polavaram hydropower project.
Super-critical tech
Sources in the AP-Genco said super-critical technology was being deployed in the new units due to its advantages in terms of improved efficiency, reduced emissions and low operating costs.
The total installed capacity of A.P. as on March 31, 2018, is 17,905 MW as per power allocation after State bifurcation.
The total number of consumers in the State is 178.11 lakh which includes 143.38 lakh domestic, 13.49 lakh commercial, 1.55 lakh industrial, 17.20 lakh agricultural connections. The total energy consumption during FY 2017-18 was 58,793 MU and the peak demand was 8,983 MW.
