Gandhinagar: Gujarat government has given in-principle approval for extension of 800 MW supercritical thermal power generation in three power stations of the State – Gandhinagar thermal power station, Sikka thermal power station, and Ukai thermal power station.

With 800 MW addition in each of these three power stations, the installed capacity of power generation in the State will increase by 2400 MW. The state has presently 53,368 MW installed capacity that includes 24,962 MW conventional and 28,406 MW non-conventional energy generation. With addition of 2400 MW, the total installed capacity will be 55,768 MW. The proposed addition will create 3000 new employment opportunities.

Gujarat had 2,283 unit power usage per head in 2021-22, which increased to 2,402.49 units in 2022-23. With increasing demand for power, the extension of lignite and coal-based supercritical thermal power has become necessary.

Domestic coal will be used as the source of energy in these plants. High-efficiency air pollution control equipment and advanced emission control systems will be used to maintain the quality of air. Comprehensive waste management strategies will also be used by Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Ltd (GSECL). Coal-based power plants will be useful in case of non-solar hours, famine, and reduced availability of wind and gas. DeshGujarat