Nagpur: The Rs13,200 crore expansion project at Koradi Thermal Power Station (KTPS), which will add two 660MW supercritical units, is gathering momentum with several major civil works completed and equipment supplies already underway. Equipped with advanced pollution-control systems and high-efficiency technology, the upcoming units are expected to be among the cleanest coal-based thermal power plants in Maharashtra.The 1,320MW project, being executed by Mahagenco, will significantly strengthen Maharashtra’s power generation capacity while incorporating modern technologies to minimise environmental impact. Once commissioned, the two units will increase Koradi’s installed generation capacity from the existing 2,190MW to 3,510MW, making it one of the state’s major thermal power generation facilities.One of the major highlights of the project is the adoption of Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems, which will help control sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions, respectively. The addition of supercritical technology will further decrease pollutants, officials said.Supercritical technology enables electricity generation at higher steam temperatures and pressures, improving thermal efficiency and reducing coal consumption per unit of electricity generated compared to conventional plants. This is expected to lower emissions intensity while ensuring reliable power generation.The inclusion of both FGD and SCR systems is particularly significant as thermal power plants face increasing scrutiny over their environmental impact. Their installation will allow the upcoming units to incorporate pollution-control measures from the commissioning stage rather than requiring major retrofitting later.Earlier this year, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis laid the foundation stone for the main control room building of the 2×660MW replacement project, marking another important step towards modernising Koradi’s power infrastructure.The project is being implemented under the guidance of Mahagenco managing director Radhakrishnan B, project director Rajesh Patil, executive director Vivek Rokde and chief engineer (civil) Vilas Motghare.According to Mahagenco, significant progress has already been achieved on the construction front. The boiler foundation for Unit-11 has been completed, while turbine generator raft foundations for both units have been cast. The chimney raft foundation has also been completed.These foundations are crucial for supporting heavy machinery and equipment, including boilers, turbines and generators. Their completion has paved the way for the next phase of construction, during which major equipment will be installed and integrated with the plant’s supporting infrastructure.Meanwhile, equipment and materials have started arriving from Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) manufacturing facilities across the country. Equipment erection activities are scheduled to begin next month.The existing Koradi station operates three 660MW units and one 210MW unit. The two upcoming units, designated Unit-11 and Unit-12, are scheduled for phased commissioning, with Unit-11 targeted for May 2029 and Unit-12 for Nov 2029.The expansion is expected to play a crucial role in meeting Maharashtra’s growing electricity requirements from industries, agriculture, infrastructure and residential consumers. The additional generation capacity will also help improve grid reliability, particularly during periods of high electricity demand.
