Meja Urja to Capitalize on UP's Power Demand with Plans for 5.6 GW Thermal Capacity.

MUNL, a joint venture equally shared between India's leading power generator, NTPC Ltd., and Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd. (UPRVUNL), is embarking on a significant undertaking to construct 5.6 gigawatts (GW) of coal-based power generation units in the coming years. This strategic initiative is driven by the surging energy demands of Uttar Pradesh, India's largest state, and signifies the resurgence of coal-based power generation.

The post-Covid-19 pandemic era has witnessed a sharp upswing in power consumption in Uttar Pradesh, surpassing traditionally high-demand industrial states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu. In August and September, as the national peak power demand reached a historic 240 GW, Uttar Pradesh emerged at the forefront, with a fluctuating demand ranging between 25-28 GW.

At present, MUNL is operating a 1.32 GW thermal power project in Meja, Uttar Pradesh. The company aims to augment this capacity with an additional three units, aggregating to 2.4 GW, at the same location. The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has already granted approval for the 1.6 GW Obra D power project, which will be undertaken by MUNL. Additionally, another project with a similar capacity, Anpara E, is in the pipeline.

Sunil Kumar, CEO of MUNL, highlighted that the projected 5.6 GW capacity underscores the state government's confidence in MUNL's capabilities and the escalating demand for cost-effective electricity. He emphasized that this would position MUNL as NTPC's premier joint venture and reaffirmed the state's growing power requirements, driven by increased electrical connections and commercial growth. Kumar expressed, "Much of this capacity addition is being allocated to us."

These plans by MUNL and the Uttar Pradesh state government mirror the growing reliance on coal-powered electricity. With renewable energy growth trailing behind the surging electricity demand, states are returning to coal to meet future energy needs. Kumar pointed out that MUNL's coal supply is sourced from three subsidiaries of Coal India Ltd, ensuring that Uttar Pradesh receives reasonably priced power.

Innovative approaches have become a hallmark of MUNL's operations, as Kumar detailed the streamlining of project construction processes. Instead of managing 40 separate contracts, the company now issues unified engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) tenders, attracting the attention of international firms. The thermal EPC sector, traditionally dominated by BHEL, has now welcomed the participation of international companies such as GE, Toshiba, and Hitachi. This transformation stems from the growing electricity needs and the increased reliance on coal-based power.

Kumar further emphasized the integration of cutting-edge technologies, including supercritical power units and flue gas desulphurization (FGD). These technologies not only enhance operational efficiency but also play a vital role in emission control. Kumar explained, "Compared to sub-critical units, which have around 35 percent efficiency, supercritical units boast over 40 percent efficiency." Supercritical units are known for their enhanced fuel and water efficiency, increased electricity production, and reduced emissions compared to their sub-critical counterparts. FGD technology, either retrofitted in older units or incorporated into new ones, effectively removes sulfur from thermal power unit emissions.

MUNL primarily serves Uttar Pradesh's electricity needs, with any surplus supply extending to states like Uttarakhand, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.

BS