The BUDGE BUDGE is a key infrastructure asset in India's power generation grid, located on the continent of Asia. Designated as a fossil fuel electricity generation station, the facility features an installed capacity of 750 MW. Its primary operation relies on harnessing coal energy resources to generate bulk electricity. To ensure flexibility and reliability, the station is also configured to utilize oil as an auxiliary or secondary fuel source. Operational management and ownership of the facility are handled by the CESC Limited, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 2001, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within India, BUDGE BUDGE occupies the #158 position among all operational coal power plants. Its 750 MW capacity represents a 0.23% share of India's total installed coal generating capacity, which currently stands at 328,351 MW. The largest operational coal installation in India is the VINDH_CHAL STPS with an output of 4,760 MW, making the BUDGE BUDGE approximately 6.3 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.1459% of India's aggregate generation capacity of 513,890 MW. Based on historical capacity factors characteristic of coal power plants (modeled at 55% for analysis), the facility's expected annual electricity generation is calculated at approximately 3,613,500 MWh. Applying domestic consumption statistics where an average household in India consumes 3 MWh of electricity annually, this level of production is sufficient to meet the energy demands of roughly 1,204,500 homes. By utilizing traditional thermal power processes, the station delivers reliable dispatchable energy to the grid, supporting grid resilience during periods of low renewable resource availability and satisfying industrial base-load demands. The physical site of the station is located at geographic coordinates 22.4673° latitude and 88.1400° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the KOLAGHAT (coal-fired, 1260 MW), the Kolaghat Power Plant (coal-fired, 840 MW), the HALDIA (coal-fired, 600 MW), representing a cluster of localized power assets. This geographic placement is vital for reinforcing regional distribution infrastructure and minimizing transmission line losses across this sector of India.
25 years old
India, Asia
Location
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
Budge Budge Power Plant: A Key Player in India's Coal-Fired Energy Sector
The Budge Budge Power Plant, located in West Bengal, India, is a significant coal-fired power generation facility with a total installed capacity of 750 megawatts (MW). Commissioned in 2001, this plant plays a vital role in meeting the energy demands of the region and contributes to the broader energy landscape of India. As a coal-based power plant, Budge Budge utilizes coal as its primary fuel source, which is a common choice for electricity generation in India due to the country's abundant reserves of this fossil fuel.
The plant operates using a combination of pulverized coal combustion technology and steam turbine generators. This method involves grinding the coal into a fine powder, which is then mixed with air and ignited in a furnace to produce heat. The heat generated is used to convert water into steam, which drives the turbines connected to generators, thereby producing electricity. The Budge Budge Power Plant is designed to operate efficiently, contributing to the reliability of power supply in the region and helping to stabilize the grid.
In the context of India's energy sector, the Budge Budge Power Plant is particularly important as the country grapples with rising energy demands driven by population growth and industrialization. Coal remains a dominant source of energy in India, accounting for a substantial share of the country's electricity generation. Despite the push for renewable energy sources, coal-fired plants like Budge Budge continue to play a crucial role in providing a stable and continuous power supply, especially during peak demand periods.
However, the reliance on coal as a fuel source raises significant environmental concerns. The combustion of coal releases a range of pollutants, including carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which contribute to air quality deterioration and climate change. The Budge Budge Power Plant, like many coal-fired facilities, faces scrutiny regarding its environmental impact, prompting discussions about the need for cleaner technologies and strategies to mitigate emissions. Efforts may include implementing flue gas desulfurization systems, carbon capture technologies, and transitioning to less polluting fuels in the future.
Regionally, the Budge Budge Power Plant serves as a vital energy lifeline for West Bengal, supporting both residential and industrial energy needs. The plant not only contributes to local economic development by providing jobs and supporting ancillary industries but also enhances energy security for the state. As India continues to transition toward a more diversified energy mix, the role of existing coal-fired power plants such as Budge Budge will likely evolve, balancing the need for reliable electricity with the imperative of environmental sustainability.
Nearby Power Plants
Understanding Coal as a Power Generation Energy Source
Coal has long been a cornerstone of electricity generation worldwide, with a significant presence in the global energy landscape. As of recent data, there are approximately 2,608 coal power plants operating across 74 countries, boasting a total installed capacity of 2,257.3 gigawatts (GW). The leading nations in coal power generation include China, with 1,018 plants generating 1,038.0 GW, India with 287 plants at 253.3 GW, and the United States with 291 plants producing 252.0 GW. Other notable contributors include Germany and Japan, with 130 plants and 76.8 GW, and 61 plants and 63.9 GW, respectively. This widespread utilization reflects the essential role coal has played in the development of industrial and residential power systems globally.
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