Question : Life of Power Plants

(a) whether as per international standards the life of coal fired units is only 25 years, if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether 188 thermal power plants with a total capacity of 56 GW, which are more than 25 years old are need to be scrapped immediately;

(c) if so, the details thereof and the response of the Union Government thereto;

(d) the total funds required to replace the old and inefficient units in the country;

(e) whether old thermal plants are also required to spend more on adhering to pollution norms and if so, the details thereof; and

(f) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to replace old and inefficient units in ultra mega power projects?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR POWER,
COAL, NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY AND MINES

( SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL )

(a) : No, Madam. The life of coal fired units depends upon operating conditions like rated capacity and steam parameters, start-ups, load cycling, operating and maintenance practices, quality of coal etc. As per normal practice, Life Assessment is carried out after 25 years to identify any potentially damaging factors. Thereafter, testing for the remnant life shall be carried out every five years.

(b) to (d) : In July 2016, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) in consultation with various Power Utilities identified more than 25 years old coal based plants of about 9000 MW capacity in Govt. Sector for retirement on the basis of various techno-economic parameters. Out of which, Coal based units of aggregating capacity of 3750 MW have been retired till date. Funds to replace old and inefficient units are arranged by the power developers.

(e) : Plants not meeting prescribed environment norms, whether old or new, would require to upgrade/install additional pollution control equipments to bring down emissions within prescribed limits.

(f) : All units in ultra-mega power projects are of latest supercritical technology.


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