As a commitment towards green initiatives, the NTPC Simhadri Thermal Plant has put in place advanced technologies from the U.S., Japan and other countries to restrict its carbon emissions.
This will help the public sector coal-fired shore-based power plant to earn carbon credits as per Kyoto Protocol. “Best environmental practices are being followed by us to make it a model plant in the country,” General Manager in-charge of NTPC Simhadri D.K. Sood told The Hindu in a recent interview.
The plant, which has two units of 500 MW each and in the process of doubling its capacity, is having a yearly plant load factor of 97 per cent – considered exceedingly well in the power industry. Zero tripping is also its hallmark during the financial year due to high maintenance level.
Ambient air quality
Mr. Sood said they were taking meticulous care to remain environment-friendly. Emission parameters prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board and other authorities are followed on day-to-day monitoring basis.
The ambient air quality monitoring system was installed for 24-hour monitoring of air quality.
A display board is installed at the gate to inform the public on ambient air quality.
Mr. Sood said the greenery in Deepanjalinagar township as well as the premises of the plant was very impressive. During the implementation of phase-II expansion, advanced environmental technologies had been put in place so as to keep green house emissions at minimum level.
Safe environment
“As a company as a whole, we want to be environment-friendly in all possible areas,” he said, stating that the company was also attaching top priority to safety.
A safe environment is very important and all the employees as well as contract workers are provided with protective gears like helmets, gloves, shoes etc.
The contractors were told strictly, he said, to have safety officers.
“We are also not hesitating to penalise the contractors if they fail to keep within the right norms,” he pointed out.
