Chhattisgarh’s First Supercritical Thermal Power Project

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Posted by newadmin on 2025-04-04 08:39:15 |

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Chhattisgarh State Power Generation Company Limited (CSPGCL) is strengthening its energy infrastructure with the establishment of the first supercritical thermal power project (SCTPP) in Korba district. This project is an expansion of the existing Hasdeo Thermal Power Station (HTPS) and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 30, 2025. With an investment of ₹15,800 crore, the project will add 1,320 megawatts (MW) of capacity to the existing 1,340 MW plant, significantly enhancing the region’s power generation capabilities.

Supercritical thermal power plants operate under conditions that exceed the critical pressure and temperature of water, making energy production more efficient. The critical pressure stands at approximately 22.1 MPa, while the critical temperature reaches around 374°C. Under these conditions, water and steam exist as a single phase, which increases thermal efficiency and optimises fuel consumption.

The mechanism of supercritical boilers involves several key steps. Water is first pumped into the boiler, where it is heated and pressurised to transform into a supercritical fluid. This fluid is then directed into the combustion chamber, where coal is burned to generate heat. The extreme heat further increases the temperature and pressure of the supercritical fluid, which is then channeled into a turbine. As the fluid expands, it drives the turbine blades, producing mechanical energy that is converted into electricity through a generator. Some supercritical boilers enhance efficiency by employing reheating and regeneration techniques. Reheating involves additional heating stages for the steam, while regeneration captures exhaust heat to preheat incoming water, reducing overall energy wastage.

Supercritical thermal power plants offer numerous advantages over traditional subcritical plants. They operate at higher temperatures and pressures, leading to increased efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Their compact design also requires less space, making them suitable for locations with land constraints. As global concerns over pollution and climate change intensify, supercritical technology serves as a transitional solution, allowing thermal power plants to function with a lower environmental impact while the world shifts towards renewable energy sources.

The establishment of supercritical thermal power plants represents a crucial step toward more efficient and environmentally responsible energy production. By integrating advanced technologies into power generation, these plants contribute to meeting the growing energy demands of countries like India while minimising ecological footprints and supporting sustainable development.

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