NTPC Sipat Stands Targets 100% Ash Utilization
Report manpreet singh
Raipur chhattisgarh VISHESH NTPC is the country’s leading electricity generating company with 51 of its own and 39 joint ventures stations which include coal, gas, water, wind and solar stations producing a total of 73,874 MW to power India’s fast paced growth. NTPC has been a key driving force in India’s development over the years and has emerged as one of the best power companies globally.
Being third largest in the country, NTPC Sipat Super Thermal Power Station boasts of a total installed capacity of 2980 MW with three units of 660 MW each and stage two consisting of 2 units of 500 MW each. It is based on super critical technology. The first switchyard with a capacity of 765 KV is also established here. The colossal power plant stands as a symbol of technological prowess and sustainable energy generation, powering seven states across the nation including Chhattisgarh.
NTPC Sipat is coal-based with ash being generated as a by-product during power generation. The high volume of ash generation raises concerns about its gainful utilization. Consequently, NTPC Sipat is striving for 100% fly ash utilization by ensuring that fly ash is used in the cement industry, brick manufacturing units, construction of roads, low lying area filling and for filling of abandoned coal mines.
High-quality fly ash bricks are being manufactured with state-of-the-art BIS certified
machines. These bricks are then being made available for sale. For road construction
NTPC Sipat is supplying ash to NHAI for their highway projects. NTPC Sipat is the first
station among all the stations of NTPC, where dealership of ash bricks has been
provided. Over 23 lakh bricks have been sold through this dealership so far. Further, to
prevent fugitive dust emission, various innovative and practical efforts are being made
by the Ash Handling Department(AHD) of NTPC Sipat.
To control fugitive dust emission from open dyke surfaces AHD are using fog cannons. In addition, there is Babul (Vachellia nilotica) plantation to consolidate soil. Swivelling type rain guns, sprinklers, covering of ash surface tarpaulin sheets, ponding etc. are some more methods for prevention of ash dust emissions in the neighbouring areas. In addition to this, drones have been deployed for an effective survey of ash emission and to ensure continuing improvement. Through its relentless efforts, the Sipat power plant stands not only as a gigantic source of power but also as a testimony to sustainable power generation
In the course of pioneering efforts to maximize ash utilization, certain innovative maiden initiatives have been taken such as setting up of Light Weight Aggregates (LWA), Ash to sand project, Geopolymer concrete road etc. Nano Concrete Aggregate (NACA) were launched for first time in the power industry to promote use of ash in construction industry. These efforts were made to replace good earth/stone to a larger extent thereby preventing excavation of topsoil for manufacturing of bricks and
promoting the utilization of fly ash in the manufacturing of building materials in the construction activity.
Ash utilization remains the topmost priority for NTPC Sipat. Combined forces of innovation and cutting-edge technology are being channelled to enhance ash utilization. in all possible avenues. The multidimensional efforts are a testament to NTPC Sipat’s commitment in realizing India’s energy needs without compromising on the prospects of future generations.
