Tenughat Thermal Power Station – “Energizing Growth: Central Coalfields Ventures into Collaborative Expansion at Tenughat Thermal Power Station”(JAN 2024)

Introduction: Tenughat Thermal Power Station

Coal India Limited’s subsidiary, Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), is embarking on a strategic collaboration with the Jharkhand government for the second phase expansion of Tenughat Thermal Power Station (TTPS). This endeavor, featuring two supercritical units, aims to elevate the thermal station’s capacity to 1,740 MW, reinforcing Jharkhand’s energy infrastructure.

Key Points:

Current Capacity and Operational Excellence:

• The existing capacity of TTPS is 420 MW, consisting of two units, each with a capacity of 210 MW.
• Both units, operational since September 1996 and September 1997, respectively, have consistently surpassed national standards.

Expansion Plans and Joint Venture:

• Tenughat Vidyut Nigam Limited (TVNL), a Jharkhand government undertaking, plans to add 2X660 MW supercritical units in the second phase (Stage II) at Lalpania, Bokaro district.
• CCL and the Jharkhand government are in discussions to form a joint venture for seamless collaboration.

Partnership Modalities:

• Two panels will be constituted to determine the modalities of the partnership, including the percentage contribution from each party in the joint venture.

CCL’s Production Figures:

• In FY 2022-23, CCL, a mini-Ratna central public sector enterprise, produced 76.09 million metric tonnes of coal.
• The production target for FY 2023-24 is set at an ambitious 84 million metric tonnes.

Infrastructure and Logistics:

• The TTPS project site, located in Lalpania, is well-equipped with modern infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, banks, and more.
• Gomia, the nearest railway station, situated approximately 20 km away, facilitates logistical convenience for the project.

Strategic Discussions and Potential Benefits:

• Initial discussions between top officials from CCL and the Jharkhand government have taken place, indicating the seriousness of the proposed collaboration.
• The envisioned joint venture aligns with the state government providing land while CCL contributes coal from its nearby mines.

Expansion Project Details:

Central Coalfields, a subsidiary of Coal India, is exploring avenues to expand TTPS by adding two supercritical units of 660 MW each. This expansion, part of the second phase, is set to enhance the plant’s capacity to 1,740 MW, catering to the growing energy demands in the region.

Mining PSUs’ Diversification Strategy:

This initiative follows the Union Cabinet’s recent approval of a cumulative equity investment of ₹5,607 crore for setting up two pithead thermal power plants (TPPs) of 2,260 MW. This move aligns with the Ministry of Coal’s encouragement for mining PSUs to diversify revenue streams, ensuring preparedness for future energy needs.

Conclusion:

The collaboration between CCL and the Jharkhand government for the expansion of Tenughat Thermal Power Station signifies a significant step towards bolstering the state’s energy infrastructure. The proposed joint venture, coupled with the planned addition of supercritical units, underscores a commitment to meeting the region’s power requirements. As the panels work out partnership modalities, this venture holds the promise of a more robust and sustainable energy future for Jharkhand.

“Key Insights and FAQs”

1. What is the current total installed capacity of Tenughat Thermal Power Station (TTPS)?
   • The total installed capacity of TTPS is 420 megawatts (MW), with two units of 210 MW each.
2. Where is Tenughat Thermal Power Station (TTPS) located, and who owns it?
   • TTPS is located in Lalpania village of Bokaro district in the Indian state of Jharkhand, and it is owned by the Jharkhand State-owned company Tenughat Vidyut Nigam Limited.
3. When did the first and second units of TTPS become commercially operational?
   • The first unit was commercially operational in September 1996, followed by the second in September 1997.
4. What is the proposed capacity of the coal-fired supercritical unit extension project (Stage II) at TTPS?
   • Tenughat Vidyut Nigam Limited (TVNL) plans to set up a coal-fired supercritical unit extension project (Stage II) with a capacity of 2X660 MW.
5. How is the partnership between Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) and the Jharkhand government being worked out?
   • Two panels will be constituted to work out the partnership modalities, including the percentage of partnership by both parties.
6. What is the production target set by Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) for coal in FY 2023-24?
   • CCL has set a production target of 84 million metric tonnes for FY 2023-24.
7. What modern infrastructure is developed at the TTPS project site?
   • The TTPS project site is developed with modern infrastructure like schools, hospitals, banks, post offices, marketing complexes, etc.
8. Where is the nearest railway station to the TTPS project site located?
   • The nearest railway station is Gomia, located approximately 20 km away from the TTPS project site.
9. When did Coal India Limited (CIL) come into being, and what is its current status?
   • CIL came into being in November 1975, and it is a Maharatna company, a status provided by the Government of India.
10. Who is the Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Coal India Limited (CIL)?
    • The Chairman-cum-Managing Director of CIL is PM Prasad.
11. Name three other thermal power plants in Jharkhand apart from TTPS.
    • Bokaro Thermal Power Station, Chandrapura Thermal Power Station, and Jojobera Power Plant are three other thermal power plants in Jharkhand.
12. What is the purpose of Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) exploring a joint venture for the second phase of TTPS expansion?
    • CCL is exploring a joint venture for the expansion to enhance the capacity of the Tenughat Thermal Power Station.
13. How does Tenughat Vidyut Nigam Limited (TVNL) contribute to the state grid?
    • TVNL contributes around 350 MW to the state grid, and the power generated is earmarked for state-owned discom Jharkhand Bijli Vitaran Nigam.
14. What is the proposed capacity of the supercritical units to be added in the second phase of TTPS expansion?
    • The second phase aims to add two supercritical units of 660 MW each, extending the total capacity to 1,740 MW.
15. Why is the partnership between CCL and the Jharkhand government significant for the expansion project?
    • The partnership aims to leverage the state government’s resources in providing land and CCL’s access to coal, facilitating the successful expansion of TTPS.

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