BHELs power generating sets achieve record generation in FY 2007 08, Power stations equipped with BHEL equipment win Maximum Productivity Awards

Power generation in the country received a boost with BHEL built thermal, hydro, gas and nuclear sets generating over 5 per cent more power in fiscal 2007 08, compared to the previous fiscal. During the year, these sets registered a record generation of 454.6 Billion Units of electricity against 432.6 Billion Units in the year before, which constituted 73 per cent of the total power generated in the country.

Consistently exceeding the national average efficiency parameters, in 2007 08 also, BHEL manufactured thermal sets achieved the highest ever Plant Load Factor PLF and Operating Availability OA at of 79.9 per cent and 86.4 per cent, respectively.

BHEL make 200 500 MW thermal sets, which form the backbone of the countrys thermal generating capacity, operated at the highest ever PLF and OA of 85 per cent and 90.4 per cent, respectively. Notably, 7 BHEL make thermal sets of various ratings operated at a record PLF of over 100 per cent and 70 sets achieved a PLF of over 90 per cent.

Significantly, 12 of the 13 power stations in the country awarded with the Government of Indias Meritorious Productivity Awards for excellent performance are equipped with generating equipment manufactured by BHEL, reaffirming the reliability and quality of BHEL equipment.

Instituted by the Ministry of Power, the awards have been given for the year 2006 07 to power stations thermal, hydro, gas and nuclear, for meritorious and efficient performance based on operating availability and savings on account of reduced inputs. This has been achieved by ensuring availability of equipment by predictive and planned maintenance, timely availability of spares, requisite guidance from the equipment manufacturer for technological upgradation and necessary training to the O and M staff.

Having demonstrated its track record in successfully establishing new technologies to serve the nations power sector, BHEL is now poised to introduce 800 MW thermal sets with supercritical parameters. BHEL has equipped itself to produce thermal power equipment for 800 MW sets and above, suited to Indian conditions, using Indian as well as imported coal. In addition, the company is shoring up its capability for higher rating Hydro sets and advanced class Gas Turbines to cater to upcoming market requirements.

During FY 2007 08, the number of BHELs 500 MW sets in operation has risen to 33, while 200 250 MW sets has gone up to 168. BHEL has also supplied 93 sets of ratings less than 200 MW for coal based utilities in the country.