420 MW output hit after snag in two TTPS units

While power generation at the second unit in the thermal plant came to a halt at 9.15 p.m. on Tuesday, the fifth unit was affected at 8.30 a.m. on Wednesday, sources said. The boiler tubes of both these units suffered puncture, which led to the suspension of power generation.

Normally, power generation in the plant in Thoothukudi is achieved from the five units with a total installed capacity of 1,050 MW. Each of the five units has a generation capacity of 210 MW. Now, with the suspension of generation in two units, it has resulted in shortfall of power supply by 420 MW, sources said.

A team of technical experts attended to the problem and power generation at the units is expected to resume soon after going through a process of synchronisation. However, another unit, namely the fourth unit, would require overhauling and generation from this unit is likely to be suspended from July 5, sources said.

Owing to the dry spell prevailing in most parts of Tamil Nadu, electricity consumption recorded a daily average of 14,000 MW last week. However, as renewable energy through wind turbine installations had been yielding considerable output, the suspension of power generation at the two units of the thermal plant would not affect consumers much, sources said.

With July and August considered high-wind season, power generation through wind turbines is expected to pick up further from July 17, which marks the beginning of the Tamil calendar month of ‘Aadi’. Wind power generation in Tamil Nadu touched a high of 4,150 MW on July 2 and 4,100 MW on July 3, sources said.