NTPC’s Simhadri plant clocks 100% ash use for 9th year

VISAKHAPATNAM: The 2,000 MW Simhadri super thermal power project of the NTPC at Parawada locality in Andhra Pradesh’s Anakapalle district, has achieved more than 100% ash utilisation for the consecutive ninth year since 2017-2018 underscoring its commitment to sustainable power generation and efficient resource management.

NTPC Simhadri, the country’s first coastal-based thermal power station, has generated 11,136 million units (MU) up to March 27 in the financial year 2025-26. The plant operated at a plant load factor (PLF) of 64.27 %, while solar generation stood at 39.362 MUs during the period. NTPC-Simhadri remained a key contributor to the power needs of southern states, supplying electricity to Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala.

Officials said steady generation played a crucial role in ensuring grid stability amid rising demand. NTPC Simhadri Unit Head Ayaskanta Jena said the power station plays a vital role in meeting the power requirements of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, with 684 MW and 793 MW allocated to the two states respectively. Coal for the plant is sourced from Mahanadi Coal Fields Ltd in Odisha and transported through the East Coast Railway network.

Ayaskanta Jena said NTPC-Simhadri has been spending huge amounts to stick to the emission parameters. The company commissioned all four units of Flue gas desulfurization (FGD), a mechanism used to remove sulfur dioxide from exhaust gases, he added. Highlighting environmental measures, Jena mentioned that more than 85 percent of the plant’s water requirement is met using seawater. The plant has successfully completed drone-based corrosion mapping repairs on stage-1 of the Natural Draft Cooling Tower.

Afforestation efforts under the ‘Green Visakha’ initiative resulted in the planting of lakhs of saplings across Visakhapatnam and Anakapalle districts, while the plant premises were declared plastic-free. NTPC-Simhadri planted nearly 40,000 saplings in FY 25-26, with 95 % success rate.

NTPC-Simhadri has received recognition including the Greentech Environment Award and the Golden Peacock Award for CSR Excellence. The plant’s corporate social responsibility initiatives focus on healthcare, education, skill development, water and sanitation, women empowerment and community infrastructure.