CCEA approves proposal of R&D project for development of AUSC Technology for Thermal Power Plants

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on 10 August 2016 approved a proposal of research and development (R&D) project for development of Advanced Ultra Super Critical (AUSC) Technology for Thermal Power Plants.

The estimated cost of the project is 1554 crore rupees. BHEL will be provided one time budgetary support of 900 crore rupees spread over a period of three years for implementation of the project.

Key Facts

• This will enable domestic industries to design, manufacture and commission higher efficiency coal fired power plants with indigenously developed technology and manufacturing processes.

• This will be the first time that large power plant equipment will be manufactured with advanced technologies, but without any technological Collaboration and Licensing Agreement with foreign companies.

Environmental Benefit

• The technology will help in reduction of CO2 emission at source combined with 20% saving in coal consumption compared to a sub-critical plant. At present, the power generation from coal contributes to about 38% of CO2 pollution in the atmosphere.

Consortium of Proposal for AUSC technology

A Consortium of three Government Entities proposed a R&D project for development of AUSC Technology for Thermal Power Plants of future, envisaging reduced coal consumption as well as Carbon Di-Oxide (CO2) emission. The three entities and their contribution includes

• Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) – 270 crore rupees

• Indira Gandhi Centre of Atomic Research (IGCAR) - 234 crore  crore rupees

• National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) - 50 crore rupees

Department of Science and Technology (DST) is the fourth contributor and it will invest 100 crore rupees in the project.  Balance amount of 900 crore rupees will be contributed by Department of Heavy Industry (DHI) as grant.

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