Energy Environment Implication in Thermal Power Plant by using Supercritical Technology – Indian Scenario

In India, emissions of Green House Gases (GHGs) are increasing due to rise in energy demands to sustain economic growth. Coal is used as a dominant fuel in Indian thermal power plants but the efficiency of these is low in comparison with prevailing international standards. As such emissions of GHGs are much higher and feasible to achieve. The adoption of Clean Coal Technologies (CCTs) – like the Supercritical (SC) steam cycle – for new capacity addition in Indian thermal power plants will increase the efficiency of the Indian grid. These technologies are more environmentally and would help to meet increased energy demands. India has taken initiatives for the adoption of the technology as explained in the 11th plan of the Planning Commission. Finally, it is concluded from the study that SC and USC technology penetration would be helpful for reducing GHGs emission. The hypothetical scenarios analysis shows that up to 50% technology penetration for new capacity addition until 2027 would be helpful for reducing GHGs emission.