Oldest power units at Kothagudem to close
■ 4 units older than 25 years to be phased out gradually
The oldest units of the Kothagudem thermal power plant will be shut down in a phased manner. TSGenco has shut down the stage III unit of the power plant after receiving directions to this effect from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).
However, sources say the closure of the unit has not been announced officially. They say a rotor problem noticed in the stage III thermal unit of Kothagudem power plant forced its closure as it would cost a lot of money for the unit to start generating power again.
The CEA has directed all states to shut down old thermal power generating units.
According to the CEA, the life of a thermal power plant is 25 years.
The first unit of the Kothagudem thermal power plant was commissioned in 1966. Energy officials said that CEA has ordered four units that have completed 25 years to be shut down in a phased manner.
This was one of the conditions put forth by the Central government when it had given permission for the Yadadri and Bhadradri thermal power plants.
The 11 units of the Kothagudem plant that generate about 1,000 MW; the units that have crossed the age threshold generate 720 MW.
The Union power ministry wants to phase out old thermal power plants because they are polluting and cause distress to local populations.
According to the CEA, states can take the decision to shut down the old plants without referring to the CEA.
Since it’s not possible to shut down all the old units at Kothagudem, the units will be gradually phased out. The staff will be transferred to other units.