Hyderabad: With hydel power generation being very poor so far, thermal stations are feeling the pressure. Thermal plants generally go in for overhaul at this time of the year with hydel power generation picking up. This year, there has been no respite for thermal plants, most of which are already past half their lifespan.
Currently, hydel power generation in AP is at 4 MU and zero in Telangana. According to sources, the load on different thermal plants across both states over the last five years has increased by 10 to 12 per cent. Each week, three to six breakdowns of thermal plants have been recorded on an average over the last six months.
The over-dependence on thermal power has reduced the efficiency of plants awaiting overhaul for over one to one-and-a-half years. Though thermal power is the only constant source of power owing to the absence of gas, wind, solar and uncertainty of hydel power generation, the states have been turning a blind eye to the condition of thermal plants.
Meanwhile, according to the central ministry of power, the average life of coal power plants is 25 years. Most plants in the state have been running for over 32 to 45 years.
“Frequent breakdowns have affected the performance and most thermal stations are running below their capacity. Due to the sole dependence on thermal power for long periods, the plant load factor at, which many units are being run, is unhealthy. It is the impact of wrong policy decisions,” said an official.
