OREANDA-NEWS. May 10, 2012. Power generation in the country received a boost with BHEL-built thermal sets generating 5.5% more power in fiscal 2011-12, compared to the previous fiscal. During the year, these sets registered a record generation of 459 Billion Units of electricity against 435 Billion Units in the year before. Significantly, this constituted 75% of the total power generated in the country from coal-based thermal utility sets. Similarly 42% of country’s generation from hydro sets and 66% of country’s generation from nuclear sets was contributed by BHEL sets.

Consistently exceeding the national average efficiency parameters, in 2011-12 also, BHEL-manufactured thermal sets achieved an impressive Operating Availability (OA) of 85.9%, while the Plant Load Factor (PLF) at 75.5% was 2.3% higher than the national average.

BHEL-make 200-500 MW thermal sets, which form the backbone of the country's thermal generating capacity, operated at an OA of 89% and a PLF of 79%. Notably, 14 BHEL-make thermal sets of various ratings operated at a PLF of over 90% and 152 sets achieved an OA of more than 90%. BHEL-make 500 MW thermal sets also maintained their record of consistent availability of above 90% for last five years.

Significantly, 9 Power Stations out of 12 and 10 power stations out of 13 in the country awarded with the Government of India’s National Awards for Meritorious Performance for the years 2009-10 & 2010-11 respectively, are equipped with generating equipment manufactured by BHEL, reaffirming the reliability and quality of BHEL equipment.

BHEL has fully established state-of-the-art technology for manufacture of thermal sets up to 600 MW rating in the sub-critical range and has the capability to manufacture sets up to 1,000 MW rating. The company has also equipped itself to produce 660 MW / 700 MW / 800 MW thermal sets with supercritical parameters, and is shoring up its capability for higher rating Hydro sets and advanced class Gas Turbines to cater to upcoming market requirements.

BHEL has been committed to the nation’s power development programme and has reaffirmed its commitment to the Indian Power Sector by equipping itself by way of contemporary technology, state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and skilled technical manpower. Significantly, the company has established the capability to deliver power plant equipment of 20,000 MW per annum.