For the second consecutive year, NTPC Ramagundam has reduced its power generation target, owing to increased power generation from renewable energy sources in the southern States such as Tamil Nadu and Karnakata.
The 2,600 MW NTPC Ramagundam power plant, had produced more than 21,000 million units (MU) per annum since its inception. However, during the 2016-17 financial year, it produced only 19,580 million units against the target of 20,025 MU, with a plant load factor (PLF) of 86%.
During the 2017-18 financial year - which ended on Saturday - the plant produced only 18,860 MU at a PLF of 82.80% and availability factor of 92.19%. NTPC Ramagundam Executive Director D.K. Dubey attributed the decline in power generation to decreased demand from the southern States, which were focusing on wind and solar power generation.
However, he said the demand was likely to increase in the summer season, adding that the plant is ready to generate power to its full capacity. On the other hand, NTPC Ramagundam set a milestone in the country, with utilisation of cent-per-cent fly ash, a by-product. It had also won accolades for the total recycling of waste water and providing it to the farming community in surrounding areas.
On the other hand, plans are afoot to take up the renovation and modernisation of all the units as per the CEA and environmental norms. The ED said 2022 was the deadline for the completion renovation and modernisation of all old units of power stations, which would be taken up in a phased manner. Despite many years of service, the plant has maintained overall excellence in power generation as well as ancillary activities, said Mr. Dubey.
The first phase of the 1600 MW Telangana Super Thermal Power Project was moving as per schedule, achieving all its MoUs for the current financial year, he said. The first unit with 800 MW capacity would be commissioned in May 2020, while the second unit would function from November 2020.
