OREANDA-NEWS. In a highly competitive market facing a slowdown in the finalisation of power projects, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has achieved a major breakthrough by bagging a prestigious contract for setting up a supercritical thermal power project on EPC (Engineering, Procurement & Construction) basis from Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Ltd (GSECL).

Valued at around Rs.35,360 Million, the order for setting up a 1x800 MW coal-fired supercritical thermal unit at Wanakbori in Kheda District of Gujarat, has been won by BHEL against International Competitive Bidding (ICB). With this, GSECL has reposed confidence in BHEL's proven technological excellence as also its capability in executing power projects of this magnitude on EPC basis.

Significantly, this is the first ever project of 800 MW unit rating ordered in the country on EPC basis and is also the highest valued order placed by GSECL. This reinforces BHEL's leadership status in the execution of supercritical thermal power projects involving supply of state-of-art equipment, suited to Indian coal and Indian conditions. With this project, BHEL has now won orders for supply and installation of 33 supercritical boilers and 28 turbines of 660 / 700 / 800 MW ratings.

With its vast experience in the design of boilers, BHEL has developed fuel flexible supercritical boilers capable of handling a wide variety of fuel blends of imported and indigenous coal. These boilers designed by BHEL are capable of operating the plant continuously at full load with fuel ranging from 100% imported to 100% indigenous coal. BHEL has a significant presence in the state of Gujarat with 78.3% share in the installed capacity of 9,653 MW in the state utilities of Gujarat for Coal, Lignite, Hydel and Gas based power plants. This order further enhances BHEL's already impressive contribution to this state.

BHEL's scope of work in the project includes design, engineering, manufacture, supply, construction, erection, testing & commissioning for the EPC Package comprising 1x800 MW supercritical set. The key equipment for the contract will be manufactured at BHEL's Trichy, Haridwar, Bhopal, Ranipet, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Jhansi plants, with the company's Power Sector - Western Region to be responsible for civil works and erection / commissioning of the equipment.

BHEL is the largest manufacturer of the power generation equipment in the country and has been a major partner in the country's vision to achieve self-reliance in energy. With a share of 57% in the total installed capacity in the country, BHEL contributes 62% of the total power generated in the country which is testimony to the superlative performance of BHEL's equipment. Apart from equipping itself by way of contemporary technology, state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and skilled technical manpower, the company has established the capability to deliver power plant equipment of 20,000 MW per annum to fully meet India's demand for power equipment.