Raipur, Chhattisgarh: The Indian Power Stations O&M Conference 2024, organized by NTPC Limited, commenced today in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, marking a significant moment in the power sector’s evolution. The Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri R. K. Singh, virtually inaugurated the conference, themed “Operations & Maintenance Practices for Safe, Reliable & Cost-Effective Power Generation.”
The conference, a tribute to the commissioning of NTPC’s first unit at Singrauli in 1982, serves as a pivotal platform for industry leaders to engage in collaborative discussions on enhancing safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness in power generation.
In his address, Shri R.K. Singh envisioned NTPC doubling its electricity generation capacity from the current 73+ GW to an impressive 150 GW. He praised NTPC’s efficiency and reliability, positioning it as one of India’s best and largest PSUs. Emphasizing the need for timely project completion, the Minister highlighted NTPC’s crucial role in driving India’s economic growth and stressed the necessity to reduce forced power outages.
Addressing the concerns surrounding energy transition, Shri R.K. Singh assured the coexistence of thermal and renewable energy. He advocated for the development of mechanisms to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions in existing and upcoming coal-based plants. The Minister underscored the need for increased nuclear capacity, urging the joint venture between NTPC and NPCIL to expedite nuclear capacity addition.
During the inaugural session, the Minister released the IPS 2024 E-Compendium, Steam Turbine E-Learning Module, and Boilerpedia. He also inaugurated Vikalp, an innovative ash-brick made from industrial byproducts.
Union Power Secretary Shri Pankaj Agarwal, addressing the session virtually, emphasized the significance of sustainable O&M practices. Chairperson of the Central Electricity Authority, Shri Ghanshyam Prasad, discussed safety protocols and the adoption of AI-driven applications for cost-effective solutions in power plants.
CMD of NTPC, Shri Gurdeep Singh, highlighted NTPC’s excellence in O&M practices, citing the Singrauli unit’s remarkable performance even after 42 years of synchronization.
The conference featured accolades like the Swarn Shakti Awards (2022-2023) and Business Excellence Awards (2023-2024), acknowledging the outstanding contributions of NTPC power stations. NTPC Talcher Kaniha claimed the Overall Champion (Winner) title in the Swarn Shakti Award, while NTPC Vindhyachal secured Overall Champion (Runner-Up). In the Business Excellence Awards, NTPC Vindhyachal was honored with the Champion and Overall Excellence Award.
The conference, attended by various dignitaries, including directors, officials, and industry experts, will unravel innovative strategies to bolster safety, reliability, and cost-effective power generation, reflecting the evolving landscape of the power sector in India.