India's NLC defends use of super critical technology

Neyveli Lignite Corporation noted that the ultra super critical technology is in its nascent stage.

It has yet to be established in India.

The company further noted that the use of ultra super critical technology will considerably push up the cost of a project.

These were the justifications used by NLC when asked why it was utilising super critical technology for its proposed 1,980 MW Ghatampur plant in Uttar Pradesh.

As for the use of more environment friendly technology like Circulating Fluidized Bed Combustion, it explained that it could also not be utilised for the 3x660 MW project as it is mainly used for fuel with high sulphur content and low calorific value.

After a careful evaluation of all possible technologies, the Pulverised coal-fired Furnace boiler technology with super critical technology has been considered for the project, NLC said.

NLC had opted to develop a 660 MW supercritical plant over a 600 MW sub-critical plant because the super critical technology will result in lower emissions per kWh of power generated and lower fuel consumption by 186 tonnes per annum per MW in comparison to sub-critical technology.