Gas turbine saved the day in capital

It energised PMO, residence and helped restart generation units

When power supply in the capital snapped after the northern grid collapsed for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, a gas turbine power plant, set up in 1985 to ensure round-the-clock supply to the VVIP areas, became the nucleus of resumption of generation in the city.

For VVIPs

With as little as 60 MW generated at the time of the grid collapse, the plant first helped to energise VVIP addresses including the Prime Minister’s Office and residence, and also provided the external power required to restart the city’s generation units.

“The GT served its purpose. It was set up as a ‘black start’ power project, which means it does not need any external power to start. Unlike thermal power plants that require external power to get them started, the GT is able to start functioning with just its diesel engine and a battery,” said an official.

‘Black start’ for units

The power plant, with six turbines of 30 MW each, had just two turbines functioning on Tuesday, but helped to energise other generating units.

“The GT has the capability to energise the high-capacity Pragati power plant, Badarpur thermal plant, Bawana and even Dadri,” said the official.

Domino impact

“The GT plant was conceived with the idea of protecting Delhi from a complete blackout in case of a grid collapse. There is usually a domino impact when the grid collapses and the generating units are impacted all at once,” said the official.

Also coming to the aid of the city were the Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited’s gas-based plant at Rithala which generated about 32 MW, Rihand II, Singrauli and the Bhakra generating centre.