The Obra Thermal Power Station 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. Operational management and ownership of the facility are handled by the Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 2013, 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 Thermal Power Station 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 Thermal Power Station 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 24.4454° latitude and 82.9801° 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
13 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
Obra Thermal Power Station: A Key Player in India's Energy Landscape
Obra Thermal Power Station, located in the Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh, India, is a significant coal-fired power plant with a total installed capacity of 1094 megawatts (MW). Owned by Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam, this power station plays a crucial role in meeting the electricity demand of the region and contributes to the overall energy security of the country. Established in the late 1980s, the power plant has been a vital asset in India's efforts to expand its energy production and reliance on indigenous resources.
The Obra Thermal Power Station utilizes coal as its primary fuel source. Coal, a fossil fuel, is abundant in India, and the country has significant reserves, making it an essential component of its energy mix. The power station operates using a steam turbine cycle, wherein coal is combusted to produce steam, which then drives the turbines to generate electricity. Despite the advantages of coal in terms of energy security and cost-effectiveness, it poses several environmental challenges, including greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. The combustion of coal releases carbon dioxide (CO2), contributing to climate change, while other pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) can lead to acid rain and respiratory issues in nearby populations.
Given its coal dependency, the Obra Thermal Power Station has faced scrutiny regarding its environmental impact. In response to growing concerns about climate change and air quality, the Indian government has been implementing stricter regulations on emissions and encouraging the adoption of cleaner technologies. Efforts to enhance the plant's efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint are ongoing, with initiatives aimed at incorporating pollution control measures and exploring renewable energy alternatives.
Regionally, the Obra Thermal Power Station is of great importance, as it not only supplies electricity to Uttar Pradesh but also supports the economic activities of the region. The energy generated from this facility aids in powering homes, industries, and agricultural operations, thus contributing to the livelihood of millions of individuals. Furthermore, the power plant has created job opportunities, both directly and indirectly, through its operations and the associated supply chains.
In summary, the Obra Thermal Power Station stands as a vital component of India's energy infrastructure, showcasing the dual challenges of energy production and environmental stewardship. As India continues to navigate its energy transition, the role of coal-fired power plants like Obra will remain crucial in the short term, while the long-term focus shifts towards integrating more sustainable and cleaner 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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