NTPC vintage plant on record run

2,600-Mw Korba super thermal power station still runs smoothly after 34 years, tops on PLF

A vintage plant of state-run National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), located in Chhattisgarh’s Korba district, has set a record in operational efficiency.

The first-generation power plant of the country’s largest power producer has become one of the three stations with the highest plant load factor (PLF), which is a key parameter for the evaluation of the performance of any thermal plant. The other two plants are Talcher and Sipat power plants.

The Korba power plant is one of NTPC's oldest, having started commercial production of its first unit in 1983. The Talcher and Sipat plants were commissioned in 1995 and 2008 respectively. With 20 coal-based power stations, NTPC has a coal-based installed capacity of 38,755 Mw.

In operation for 34 years, the 2,600-Mw Korba super thermal power station is still running efficiently. The plant has generated 20,365 Million Units (MUs) at 89.41 per cent PLF against the target of 19,830 MUs at 87.6 per cent. Over the years, Korba station has been ranking among top stations in performance strengthening the company’s portfolio.

NTPC has reached total capacity of 50,500 Mw, generating a total of 250 billion units (BU) with the closing of financial year 2016-17. The company has added 3,570 Mw of new capacity including 510 Mw of solar capacity and has also entered wind power category. It has exceeded the 12th plan capacity addition target of 11,920 Mw by adding 13,395 Mw.

Korba has three units of 200 Mw each and four of 500 Mw each. It is one of the stations of NTPC that produces power at the cheapest rate. The beneficiary states from the Korba facility include Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Daman, Diu and Nagar Haveli.

The plant has received a Meritorious Performance Award from the Government of India about 20 times and has been a model power station in operation and maintenance.