Blending of imported coal: Increased use of imported coal at Kahalgaon-I, Farakka proposed

NTPC, in an attempt to tide over the shortage in domestic coal, has proposed the following in respect of the fuel-starved Kahalgaon-I and Farakka-II projects:

• Kahalgaon-I

--The company has proposed to blend 30-35% imported coal in the feedstock used to fuel the four boilers of Kahalgaon Stage-I, of capacity of 210 MW, each. Experiments have shown that the power plant is amenable to this increased dosage, due to the presence of an operational Gas Recirculation (GR) system. 

--However, the experiments undertaken have been over the short-term. The long term effects of using coal of such a proportion can only be ascertained with longer period of observation.

•   Farakka-II

--A blending ratio of 30% has been found satisfactory for the Farakka Stage-II. A higher ratio can be considered for the two 500 MW units, based on feedback. 

--Notably, this project uses Indian coals similar to those used by the Kahalgaon.