UPSC Exam Preparation: Topic of the Day – Advanced Ultra Super Critical (AUSC) Technology
There is a rapid increase in the global demand for electricity, at the same time, it is necessary to ensure that the coal based power plants have reduced emissions and operate more efficiently. It is found that power generation from coal contributes about 38 per cent of CO2 pollution in the atmosphere; this by the central government is considered as the rationale for funding the project. A 20 per cent reduction in CO2 emission at source combined with 20 per cent saving in coal consumption compared to a sub-critical plant and by about 11 per cent compared to a super critical plant are the primary reasons justifying this project.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved a proposal for the research and development of AUSC technology for thermal power plants at an estimated cost of Rs 1,554 crore (over $230 million).
- Advanced Ultra Supercritical Tech have been designed and developed to operate at very high pressures and temperatures to meet both the environmental and energy efficiency challenges.
- Steam cycle efficiency has been improved, meaning that for a given electrical output there will be less consumption of fuel (coal) and less release of carbon dioxide.
- Reduction in Emissions
- More electricity will be produced
- Lower Costs
Details
- The AUSC project will enable Indian 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/licensing agreement with foreign companies.
- The proposed technology is still in research stage in all countries working on it. It is still not matured or been demonstrated anywhere in the world.
- The central government will provide one-time budgetary support by the Department of Heavy Industry (DHI)
Implementation
A Consortium of three Government Entities, namely Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), Indira Gandhi Centre of Atomic Research (IGCAR) and National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) have 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.
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