BHEL, NTPC to float 100 MW power joint venture

BHEL-NTPC-LogoChennai, April 9 : Two of India's power sector majors -- equipment-maker BHEL and power-generator NTPC -- are together to set up a 100 MW power plant based on Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) technology.

"Talks between the two companies have progressed. Discussions have been held on parameters and the plant design is already available with us," A. V. Krishnan, executive director, BHEL (Boiler Division) told IANS over the phone from Tiruchirapalli.

According to Krishnan, the investment for the project will be around Rs. 700 crore.

The plant, planned at Dadri in Uttar Pradesh, is expected to be funded by the two government companies as a 50:50 joint venture.

With IGCC technology, coal is converted into gas, which in turn is used to run the turbine after removing impurities. It is less polluting and also more efficient in power generation.

Asked about the status of another crucial project -- an 800 MW advanced ultra super-critical boiler for coal-fired power plants, Krishnan said a central government committee is studying the design.

Once the design has been approved, material procurement and other aspects will kick in, Krishnan said.

The Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), BHEL and NTPC have joined hands to design, develop and build advanced ultra super-critical boilers.

These boilers can operate at a pressure of 350 bar (a measure of steam pressure) and at a temperatures of 700 degrees Celsius.

The proposed plant is expected to come up either at Uttar Pradesh or in Haryana.

The union government has proposed a National Mission for Development of Ultra Super-critical Technology for thermal power plants as the ninth mission under the National Action Plan for Climate Change.(IANS)