From 9 to 12 October 2023, workshops focused on “Flexible Thermal Power Plants: Bridge to a Decarbonised Energy System” were organised by the GIZ  under the auspices of the Indo-German Energy Forum (IGEF-SO), the Excellence Enhancement Centre (EEC) for Indian Power Sector, and the German association Vgbe energy in Bengaluru and Raipur, respectively. These workshops were part of a larger series, with similar events organised  in Kolkata and Delhi in 2022. 

In both, Bengaluru and Raipur, approximately 100 participants from the private and public sectors were educated on the flexible operation of thermal power plants. National and international speakers from organisations such as NTPC Limited, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the Technical University of Vienna (TU Wien), Siemens, RWE Germany, among others, covered various topics, including recent developments in the sector and shared their experiences regarding the flexible operation of power plants.

The flexibilisation of existing thermal power plants has gained increased importance in India, particularly since the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) implemented a new law requiring all thermal power generating units to be capable of flexible operation. This regulation mandates coal-based power plants to be designed or retrofitted to provide a minimum load of 40%. Subsequently, CEA drafted a phasing plan for the implementation of 40% technical minimum load regulation for thermal power plants. In a pilot phase from May to December 2023, 11 selected plants will be throttled back to 40% of their nominal output for testing. Results will be analysed from January 2024, and the scheme will be extended to all plants in three phases, With the first phase starting in July 2024 and the last phase expected to be completed by December 2030.

Due to the significance of this topic in India, further workshops are planned in other strategically important cities in the country.

Further information on the flexible operation of existing thermal power plants can be found here:

Guidelines for Flexible Operation of Coal Fired Power Plants in India

Thermal Electricity Storage in India Retrofitting Potential for Coal-Fired Power Plants in India