The OBRA-A 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 1094 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 Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 1979, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within India, OBRA-A occupies the #129 position among all operational coal power plants. Its 1094 MW capacity represents a 0.33% 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 OBRA-A approximately 4.4 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.2129% 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 5,270,892 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 1,756,964 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 24.4448° latitude and 82.9803° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the VINDH_CHAL STPS (coal-fired, 4760 MW), the Vindhyachal Thermal Power Station (gas-fired, 4760 MW), the RIHAND (coal-fired, 3000 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.
1.09 GW
47 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
Overview of OBRA-A Power Plant in India
The OBRA-A power plant, with a capacity of 1094 megawatts (MW), is a significant coal-fired power facility located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. Commissioned in 1979, it plays a crucial role in meeting the energy demands of the region and contributes to the national grid's stability and reliability. As one of the major power plants in India, OBRA-A has been integral in supporting the economic development of the area, providing electricity to both residential and industrial consumers. The plant primarily utilizes coal as its fuel source, a common choice for thermal power generation in India, where coal reserves are abundant. The combustion of coal in the plant's boilers converts water into steam, which then drives turbines to generate electricity. The plant is designed to operate efficiently while adhering to operational norms set by regulatory bodies. However, the use of coal as fuel raises concerns regarding environmental impact. The combustion process produces emissions such as carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which are contributors to air pollution and climate change. Efforts have been made to implement technologies aimed at reducing these emissions, including electrostatic precipitators and flue gas desulfurization units. Nevertheless, the environmental footprint of coal-fired power plants like OBRA-A remains a significant challenge in India's transition towards cleaner energy sources. Regionally, the OBRA-A power plant serves as a backbone for electricity supply in Uttar Pradesh, a state with a high demand for power due to its large population and industrial activities. The availability of reliable electricity is essential for fostering economic growth, improving living standards, and enhancing quality of life for residents. Furthermore, the plant supports the local economy by providing jobs to a considerable number of people, both directly and indirectly, through ancillary services and supply chains. Despite the ongoing challenges posed by coal dependency, OBRA-A remains a vital asset in India's energy sector, reflecting the complexities of balancing energy needs with environmental considerations. As the country moves towards a more sustainable energy future, the role of legacy coal plants like OBRA-A will be scrutinized as part of broader policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and increasing the adoption of renewable energy sources.
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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