World Power Plants

The Akaltara TPP is a modern coal-fired power plant situated in India, precisely at coordinates 21.9603 latitude and 82.4091 longitude. Commissioned in 2015, this facility boasts a substantial capacity of 1800 MW, firmly establishing its role in the national energy grid. As a coal-based generation site, Akaltara TPP is integral to India's energy mix, which continues to rely heavily on fossil fuels to meet its growing electricity demands. The energy generated here significantly supports the local grid, ensuring that power supply remains consistent and reliable for nearby communities and industries. In the context of Indian energy policy, the Akaltara TPP highlights the challenges and complexities of energy generation in a country that is both rapidly industrializing and seeking to transition towards more sustainable energy practices. The plant employs state-of-the-art coal combustion technology, which enhances efficiency and helps mitigate some environmental impacts associated with coal energy. The impressive capacity of 1800 MW allows Akaltara TPP to play a pivotal role in addressing energy shortages and bolstering the region's economic development. The facility’s secondary fuel source, oil, acts as an important contingency measure, assuring operational stability even during fluctuations in coal supply. As part of the broader energy infrastructure, the Akaltara TPP is a key player in supporting national energy objectives while also contributing to the ongoing discourse regarding energy sustainability and environmental responsibility in India.

Capacity
1,800 MW

1.80 GW

Commissioning Year
2015

11 years old

Owner
NTPC Limited
Location
21.9603°, 82.4091°

India, Asia

Context & rankings
  • 64. largest of 1,805 plants in India
  • #980 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #375 of 2,793 Coal plants worldwide
  • 0.35% of the installed capacity of India
Age & fleet comparison

11 years in operation

Coal fleet average: 29.2 years

Operator portfolio

NTPC Limited operates 81 plants totalling 97,765 MW

Regional density

26 plants within 100 km, 23,553 MW combined

Nearest plant: SIPAT STPS (22.3 km)

Data provenance

Location

Coordinates:: 21.960300, 82.409100
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
7.11 Mt
8672 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
78.23 Mt
Over 11 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2055
29 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
1.5M
cars per year
948.2K
homes per year
323.2M
trees to offset

Estimates based on Coal emission factor (820 g CO₂/kWh) and capacity factor (55%). Actual emissions may vary based on operating conditions, efficiency, and fuel quality.

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Coal
Energy Source
Non-Renewable
Country
India
Continent
Asia
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

AKALTARA Thermal Power Plant: A Pillar of India's Coal-Fired Energy Sector

The Akaltara Thermal Power Plant (TPP) is a significant coal-fired power generation facility located in the state of Chhattisgarh, India. Commissioned in 2015, this power plant boasts an impressive capacity of 1800 megawatts (MW), positioning it as one of the key contributors to the country's energy sector. Operated by the private sector, Akaltara TPP has become an essential player in addressing India's growing energy demands, particularly in the context of coal's dominant role in the nation's power generation portfolio.

As a coal-fired power plant, Akaltara utilizes coal as its primary fuel source, which is abundant in India and plays a crucial role in the country's energy mix. Coal-fired power plants like Akaltara are designed to convert the thermal energy produced from burning coal into electrical energy through steam generation. The process involves burning pulverized coal in a boiler to produce steam, which then drives turbines connected to generators. This method of electricity generation has been a cornerstone of India's power strategy, given the country's vast coal reserves, which are among the largest in the world.

However, the reliance on coal as a fuel source brings with it significant environmental concerns. The combustion of coal releases a range of pollutants, including sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter, which can contribute to air quality issues and health problems in nearby communities. Furthermore, coal power plants are major sources of carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. In response to these environmental challenges, the Akaltara TPP and other coal-based facilities in India are increasingly being encouraged to adopt cleaner technologies and implement measures to minimize emissions, such as flue gas desulfurization and electrostatic precipitators.

Regionally, the Akaltara TPP plays a vital role in supporting the local and national economy. It provides a stable source of electricity that is essential for industrial development and the growth of infrastructure in Chhattisgarh and surrounding areas. By ensuring a reliable power supply, the plant contributes to the economic stability and growth of the region, attracting investments and fostering the establishment of various industries. Moreover, the power generated from Akaltara TPP is crucial for meeting the energy needs of the surrounding population, thereby enhancing the quality of life for many residents.

In conclusion, the Akaltara Thermal Power Plant is a vital component of India's energy landscape. While it underscores the reliance on coal as a primary energy source, it also highlights the challenges associated with environmental impacts and the need for cleaner energy technologies. As India continues to navigate its energy future, the role of power plants like Akaltara will be pivotal in balancing the demands of economic growth, energy security, and environmental sustainability.

IndiaEnergy Profile

1,805
Total Plants
513.9 GW
Total Capacity
CoalGasHydroSolar
Top Fuels

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