Power crisis looms in south and Orissa; NTPC to shut down 2,000 MW

BHUBANESWAR: Many states in southern parts and Orissa as well have to resort to power cut with National Thermal Power Corporation [NTPC] planning to shut down two more units of 500 MW each. The power utility major has already shut down two of its 500-MW units at Kanhia, near Talcher in the state.


The shut down comes in the wake of a closure notice on June 28 by Orissa State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) to the Central public sector unit due to its faulty fly ash management plan. NTPC has six power generation units (6X500 MW) at its Talcher Super Thermal Power Station (TSTPS) near Kaniha.

However, the NTPC authorities have requested the OSPCB to reconsider its decision. “We have requested the OSPCB to withdraw the decision since it is going to affect a large number of consumers. At the same time, as per the order of the OSPCB we have informed our southern regional office to take necessary shut down two more units,” NTPC regional director R. Venkateswaran said on Monday.

Responding to the NTPC’s request, the OSPCB on Monday held a crucial meeting. Sources said the regulatory body asked the power major to submit a permanent action plan (PAP) for fly ash management. “NTPC asked for reconsideration of the OSPCB decision. We are discussing the issue. They (NTPC) shall have to submit a permanent action plan to contain the fly ash problem. The PAP should be satisfactory to both the sides,” Sidhanta Das, member secretary, OSPCB said.

In July, 2010 and on June 3, 2011, there were breaches in the dykes and ash slurry oozed out of the pond. The slurry flowed down to the local Nandira River, a tributary of Brahmani, and contaminated it. In the second incident, the breach was limited to NTPC’s own area and did not cause any damage to public health. The OSPCB on June 29 rejected NTPC’s request for four months time to repair and raise the height of the ash pond dykes.

The thermal power station, as per the OSPCB sources, generates nearly 6 lakhs MT fly ash every month and going by the current capacity, the ash pond would last till October and raising its dykes would take at least a year. In such a situation the only way to manage the fly ash is to reduce the power generation. NTPC regional director R. Venkateswaran said the power situation in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala would be severely affected if the four units were closed down.

Orissa, which gets around 200 MW from the four units of Stage II and 318 MW from stage I (2X500 MW) units, would also be affected, Mr Venketeswaran added.