15-05-2025
BHEL urged to expedite equipment supply for Polavaram and Lower Sileru projects
Chief Secretary and Special Chief Secretary (Energy) K. Vijayanand emphasised the importance of expediting the supply of electrical and mechanical equipment by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) for the timely commissioning of Polavaram Hydro Electric Project (PHEP) (12x80MW) and the additional units of Lower Sileru project (2x115MW).
In a review meeting held on Wednesday, Mr. Vijayanand requested BHEL to prioritise the completion of Polavaram and Lower Sileru projects.
BHEL CMD K. Sadashiv Murthy assured the government of strict adherence to the supply schedules and to expediting deliveries for both projects to ensure their timely commissioning. He also agreed to investigate the causes of repeated rotor failures at Dr. NTTPS Stage-V (800 - MW unit) and take prompt corrective measures to ensure uninterrupted power supply during the peak summer. Additionally, he promised to resolve the pending issues related to Sri Damodaram Sanjeevaiah Thermal Power Station at the earliest.
AP - Genco officials said with 12 large Kaplan turbine units (each 80 - MW), PHEP was the first of its kind unit in India as they were capable of handling a substantial discharge of 335 Cumecs. Upon completion, the project would generate 960 MW of hydroelectric power, supplying approximately 23 million units per day. The estimated annual revenue from it was pegged at Rs.1,250 crore calculated at a unit price of Rs.5.
As far as the Lower Sileru project is concerned, the AP - Genco officials said it was aimed at enhancing the peak power capacity of the existing powerhouse and involves the addition of two 115 - MW units to the existing four units. This extension would play a crucial role in supplying power during the peak summer when the unit price exceeds Rs.10. Besides, these additional units would support the grid during emergencies.
AP - Genco MD K.V.N. Chakaradhar Babu, Directors M. Sujaya Kumar (Hydel), P. Ashok Kumar Reddy (Thermal), BHEL Director (Engineering, Research and Development) S.M. Ramanathan and Executive Director Pankaj Rastogi were among those present.
