Thermal sector in troubled water

Weakening thermal power sector threatening power crises. This article highlights few important factors surrounding thermal power sector which may play an important role in reviving the sector
A range of sources are used for power generation but thermal power continues to be among the most important forms. In the last few years, thermal power sector is in stressed state majorly because of low availability of coal. This article highlights few important factors surrounding thermal power sector which may play an important role in reviving the sector.
Plunging coal stocks at plants nationwide are set to worsen Indias energy woes especially in the north east part. If nothing is done quickly a massive blackout could be insight.
Challenges There are number of issues surrounding the thermal sector. Thermal power plants across the country are fast running out of fuel. Coal supplies to thermal power plants are dwindling, resulting in reduced electricity generation at a large number of units.
The countrys largest utility National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) has been forced to shut some of its units to cope with the situation as have some of the other power producers. The situation has been steadily deteriorating as partly reflected in data released by the Central Electricity Authority.
Apart from coal scarcity, maintenance and operating is another issue. The maintenance and operating cost of thermal power plant is high. Also a large quantity of water is required.
Ash removal, clearances from ministry of environment and forests, land acquisition are some of the other challenges for thermal power plants.
New technologiesWith shortage in coal, the introduction of new and efficient technologies for power generation is being aggressively pursued, with greater stress on renewable energy such as wind, solar and nuclear. Some of the technologies available for thermal energy are steam cycle facilities, gas turbines, etc.
According to Indian Electrical Equipment Industry Mission Plan 2012-2022, the adoption of Advanced Ultra Supercritical (Adv-USC) technology in thermal power plants will impose stringent requirements on materials used in high temperature zones. The properties required are high creep strength, resistance to corrosion and steam oxidation at high temperatures and materials used currently in supercritical power plants will not be suitable at these conditions. Critical materials envisaged for use in Adv-USC, in addition to those already being used in supercritical power plants.

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