UPSC Prelims 2023 Question:

With reference to coal-based thermal power plants in India, consider the following statements:

1. None of them uses seawater.
2. None of them is set up in water-stressed district.
3. None of them is privately owned.
   
   

How many of the above statements are correct?

Learn more about the coal-based thermal power plants in India from the given explanation below.

Explanation:

• In India, several coal-fired thermal power plants employ seawater for a variety of functions, including cooling the condenser system. Seawater is a frequent supply of cooling water for power plants near the coast. It should be noted, however, that not all power plants use seawater; others may rely on freshwater sources. So, statement 1 is not correct.
• According to a report, 40 per cent of the country’s thermal power plants are located in areas facing high water stress, a problem since these plants use water for cooling. Scarce water is already hampering electricity generation in this region. So, statement 2 is not correct.
• There are both privately and publicly owned coal-fired thermal power stations in India. The country's power generating is a collaboration of corporate and public companies. Many private corporations have invested in the power industry and run coal-fired thermal power facilities. So, statement 3 is not correct.
  
  

About Major Thermal Plants in India

Thermal power plants accounts for more than 65% of India’s energy-producing capacity, with coal accounting for 85% of this capacity. Some of the major thermal plants in India are discussed below.

Vindhyachal Thermal Power Station – Biggest Thermal Power Plant of India

• Vindhyachal Thermal Power Station is the biggest thermal power plant in India and the 9th largest coal-fired thermal power station in the world.
• It is located in the Singrauli district of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
• Vindhyachal super thermal power station is owned by National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and is a 4,760MW coal-fired power station.
• Water from the adjoining Singrauli thermal power station’s discharge canal is used by the Vindhyachal thermal power station.
  
  

Mundra Thermal Power Station – 2nd Biggest Thermal Power Plant of India

• Mundra Thermal Power Station is the second largest thermal power plant in India.
• It is located in Shiracha, Kutch district of the Indian state of Gujarat.
• Mundra Thermal Power Plant is a coal-based thermal plant with a power generating capacity of 4,620MW.
• This is the first supercritical thermal project in the world to be registered as a Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) project under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
  
  

Sasan Ultra Mega Power Plant

• Sasan Ultra Mega Power Plant is the largest integrated power generation in India owned by Reliance Power Limited.
• It has a coal mine project with a 3,960 MW power plant and 20 MT per year coal mining capacity.
• It is also the 4th largest electricity generation power plant in India located in the Singrauli district of Madhya Pradesh.
• It is among the four Ultra Mega Power Plants awarded by the Ministry of Power.
  
  

Therefore, option (4) is the correct answer.

Subject: Environment | Miscellaneous(env)