Environmentally sound energy development strategies for Maharashtra

During the last decade, India's energy consumption more than doubled from 91 Million tons of oil equivalent (mtoe) in 1980-81 to 189 mtoe in 1990-91 and is expected to reach 217 mtoe in 1994-95. Most of the increased energy consumption has come from coal and oil, which are also associated with emissions of carbon dioxide (CO_2), oxides of sulphur (SO_x) and nitrogen (NO_x) and particulates.

CO_2 is a greenhouse gas (GHG) and limiting its high level of global emissions is a major issue in debate on global warming and climate change. Environmentally Sound Energy Technologies (ESETs) that help in reducing energy consumption and associate emissions without affecting the growth or output, emerge as one of the alternatives to reduce GHG emissions.

Within Maharashtra, the potential for application of ESETs was studied at the utility level. Maharashtra State Electricity Board, which is a dominant utility in the state, was chosen for a study. Options to reduce emissions from power plants with a view to identifying appropriate ESETs were examined.

In a thermal power station (TPS) auxiliaries are the consumption points. The factors responsible for high auxiliary consumption cover: Coal shortages; Poor coal quality, widely varying quality of coal, extraneous material in coal, high ash content; Backing down of units; Forced outages- occur due to unforeseen circumstances or breakdown of equipment; Operational constraints.

A good grid management program and improving the PLF can reduce auxiliary consumption of the units. This study however focuses on strategies to reduce auxiliary consumption through improvements in plant related factors. The following options have been identified and a detailed techno-economic study for each has been carried out.

For reduction of auxiliary consumption and adoption of other measures related to plant technology upgradation, a task force with target oriented approach is required to be formed at plant level.