BHEL’s power generating sets achieve record generation in first nine months of 2006-07

New Delhi, January 30: Power generation in the country received a boost with BHEL-built thermal sets generating nearly 8% more power in the first nine months (April-December) of fiscal 2006-07, compared to the corresponding period, last year. During this period, these sets registered a record generation of 268.45 Billion Units against 248.89 Billion Units in the year before. In the same period, BHEL-manufactured sets registered a significantly higher Plant Load Factor (PLF) of 76.5% against 72.5 % achieved last year.

Significantly, Dahanu Thermal Power Station Unit II (250 MW) of BSES in Maharashtra, and six units of various ratings at NTPC Power Stations at Vindhyachal, Singrauli, Korba and Dadri, operated at a record PLF of over 100%. In addition 55 thermal units with BHEL-make equipment, operating at Ramagundam, Simhadri, Talcher, Rihand, Singrauli, Suratgarh, Kota, Vijaywada, Mettur, Dadri, Tanda, Ib Valley, Bakreswar, CESC, Chandrapur, Badarpur, Khaparkheda, Wanakbori, Bhatinda, Nasik, Raichur and Tuticorin Thermal Power Stations registered a high PLF of 90% and above.

During the last financial year (2005-06), besides overseas commissioning, BHEL added 2,365 MW in the country comprising 13 Utility and 15 Captive/Industrial sets. With this, the installed capacity of BHEL Utility sets went up to 76,741 MW and BHEL maintained its share of 65% in the country's total installed capacity. Notably, the 120 MW (Unit 4) at Tata Jojobera TPS was commissioned 26 days ahead of schedule, resulting in substantial saving for the customer in terms of capital cost and additional generation of power.

Significantly, 87% of the coal-based sets and 100% of nuclear sets added in the country during the year were of BHEL make.

BHEL has fully established state-of-the-art technology for manufacture of thermal sets up to 500 MW rating and has the capability to manufacture sets up to 1,000 MW rating for power projects, suited to Indian conditions, using Indian as well as imported coal.

Aimed at gearing up to meet the country's capacity addition targets towards the agenda of providing ‘Power to all by 2012’, BHEL has invested more than Rs.1,2000 Million for holistic modernization and capacity expansion of its facilities from 6,000 MW per annum at present to 10,000 MW per annum. BHEL also has plans to further increase its capacity to 15,000 MW as required by the country’s power sector. Besides, BHEL has taken necessary steps for upgradation/ introduction of new technologies and has tied up to acquire new technology to produce thermal power equipment with supercritical parameters for the next higher rating 800 MW sets and above.