AP CS Seeks BHEL Help To Quickly Complete Polavaram Hydro Project
Andhra Pradesh chief secretary K. Vijayanand reviewed supply of equipment for the Polavaram Hydro Electric Project (12x80 MW) and the additional hydro power units for Lower Sileru (2x115 MW).
Vijayawada:Andhra Pradesh chief secretary K. Vijayanand reviewed supply of equipment for the Polavaram Hydro Electric Project (12x80 MW) and the additional hydro power units for Lower Sileru (2x115 MW).
Those present at the meeting included representatives of APGENCO and BHEL (Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited), the equipment supplier.
The AP CS requested BHEL to prioritise supply of equipment for both the hydro projects. BHEL officials assured that they will strictly adhere to the supply schedules to ensure timely commissioning of the projects.
APGENCO officials said the Polavaram Hydro Electric Project, with its 12 large Kaplan turbines of 80 MW, is the first of its kind in India. These units are capable of handling a substantial discharge of 335 cumecs. Upon completion, this project will generate 960 MW of hydroelectric power, supplying approximately 23 million units of electricity per day. The estimated annual revenue from this powerhouse is ₹1,250 crores, calculated at a unit price of ₹5.
The generation company officials explained that the Lower Sileru Extension Project is aimed at enhancing the peak power capacity of the existing powerhouse. It involves addition of two 115 MW units to the already existing four 115 MW equipment. This extension will play a crucial role during peak summer months, when the unit price of power exceeds ₹10.
Furthermore, these additional units will support the grid during emergencies, such as sudden drops in wind generation or outages at thermal units.
At the meeting, BHEL agreed to investigate the causes of repeated rotor failures at Dr. NTTPS Stage-V (800 MW unit) and take prompt corrective measures to ensure uninterrupted power supply during peak summer. Additionally, BHEL committed to resolving the pending issues related to SDSTPS, Nelaturu, at the earliest.
Those who attended the review meeting included K.V.N. Chakaradhara Babu, MD, APGENCO, M. Sujaya Kumar, director (Hydel), P. Ashok Kumar Reddy, director (Thermal), K. Sadashiv Murthy, CMD, BHEL, S.M. Ramanathan, director (Engineering, Research and Development) and Pankaj Rastogi, executive director.