Energy dept seeks extension of Sterlite's boiler operation licence

The state energy department has sought extension of boiler operation licence of the second unit of independent power producer Sterlite Energy’s 2,400 MW power plant amid peak power deficit hovering around 400 MW.

Keeping in view the situation that is likely to worsen in the wake of a deficient monsoon, the energy department has urged the director of factories and boilers to extend the licence by three months. The boiler operation licence of Sterlite’s second unit is valid till July 28. Currently, Sterlite Energy which has its power plant at Burkhamunda near Jharsuguda, feeds 350-400 MW to the state grid from its second unit dedicated to the state.

“I would like to request you to consider to permit extension of boiler operating licence of unit-2 of Sterlite Energy for at least three months up to October 27 this year so as to avoid further shortage of power in the state,” Sukanta Pradhan, joint secretary (energy) stated in a letter to H S Mohanty, director of factories and boilers.

The state’s peak power requirement (as on July 24) is pegged at 3,200-3,300 MW of which availability is 2,882 MW. Similarly, off-peak demand is in the range of 2,600-2,700 MW against which availability is 2,523 MW. Captive generating plants and IPPs taken together are supplying 724 MW and 811 MW during off-peak and peak demand hours respectively.

Hydro power generation has been drastically affected due to deficient monsoon. While total hydro power generating capacity in the state is 2,085 MW, actual generation in off-peak hours is 428 MW with peak generation at 714 MW.

“Hydro power generation has been tepid as the monsoon is playing truant. Reservoirs in south Odisha have been particularly hit,” said a senior energy department official.

Upper Indravati power station of Odisha Hydro Power Corporation (OHPC) has a generation capacity of 600 MW but actual generation is only 100 MW. Similarly, Balimela station is lacklustre as well, generating only 113-119 MW against an installed capacity of 510 MW. Hirakud-I (Burla) is generating 133 MW, less than half of its total capacity of 276 MW. The state grid is getting 340 MW from the 460 MW Talcher Thermal Power Station (TTPS) of National Thermal Power Corporation Ltd (NTPC).