The first unit of the (2X800 MW) Damodaram Sanjeevaiah Thermal Power Station at Krishnapatnam is all set to go for commercial operations from September 10.
The 800 MW unit has been synchronised to the Power Grid on April 1 after the AP Genco authorities lighted it up. The trial run conducted by the AP Genco a couple of days ago has proved highly successful. “The 800 MW plant operated to its full plant load factor generated 809 MW,” a senior official said.
The project, taken up as part of the mega power policy, has been developed by a special purpose vehicle formed by the AP Genco, distribution companies and the State Government. Public sector major BHEL, L&T and TPL are the major contractors for the project while Navayuga Engineering Company executed the sea water related works.
AP Genco Chairman and Managing Director K. Vijayanand told The Hindu that all tests had been performed on the 800 MW unit and a trial run had, accordingly, been conducted. “The unit is ready for commissioning. Commercial operations are likely to commence from September 10,” he said.
The power plant, being constructed on a 1,170-acre site, will be served by a major chunk (71.4 per cent) of coal from Mahanadi Coalfields Limited while the rest of the fuel would be sourced through imported coal. Once completed, the project is expected to generate 11,920 million units power a year, close to 38 million units a day, giving the much-needed relief to the State power utilities which are facing shortage post bifurcation.
The project, according to officials, is land mark achievement for the State-owned power utility as it will be the first 800 MW super critical unit in the State as also the first among the public sector utilities.
