Question : FUELS FOR POWER GENERATION

(a) the details of different fuels used in power generation;

(b) whether the choice of fuel for power generation at particular location is based on the life time cost, etc.; and

(c) if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF POWER ( SHRI SUSHILKUMAR SHINDE )

(a) to (c): Following fuel are generally being used in the thermal power stations in the country for power generation:

i) Indigenous Coal/ Imported Coal.

ii) Lignite.

iii) Natural Gas/ Liquified Natural Gas (LNG).

iv) Liquid fuels like Naphtha, Light diesel Oil (LDO), Low Sulphur High Stock (LSHS), High Speed Diesel (HSD, etc.

The Choice of fuel in a particular project depends on the availability of fuel and Techno-Economics of power generation. In thermal power plants, Coal is generally being used as fuel as it is available in abundance indigenously. Availability of indigenous Natural Gas is limited and hence it is used at locations where its availability is assured. Use of liquid fuels like Naphtha, LSHS, etc, was envisaged on short term basis to tide over the prevailing power shortages. Due to steep increase in price of liquid fuel, power generation based on liquid fuels is not being encouraged. New coastal power plants are now being proposed to be set up to make use of Imported Coal. Use of imported Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) is also being envisaged at some locations for power generation depending upon its economics.