India developing ultra-supercritical technology for coal-fired power plants

• 7 years ago (2016-08-16)
• David Flin

North America 999

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Arun Kumar Bhaduri, Director of the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) , has said that India is developing a pioneering indigenous technology for coal-fired power plants, requiring less fuel and is more efficient than current plants. He said: “The research, development, and design phases of the 800 MW advanced ultra-superciritical (AUSC) boiler for coal-fired power plant will be ready by 2019-2020.” He added that the timeline for the construction of an 800 MW power plant with AUSC boiler would depend on regulatory approvals for the plant design and the funding of the plant construction.

India’s Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved a proposal for the research and development of AUSC technology at an estimated cost of $230 million. The central government, through the Department of Heavy Industry (DHI) will provide one-time budgetary support of $130 million spread over three years, commencing from 2017-2018, to support Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) to implement the project. BHEL will contribute $40 million, NTPC will contribute $7.5 million, IGCAR will contribute $35 million, and the Department of Science and Technology will contribute $15 million.

IGCAR will develop the material for the 800 MW AUSC boiler for operations at 310 bar and 710°C. BHEL will design and manufacture the boiler and other equipment, and NTPC will be the end user to produce power.