North Chennai Thermal Power Station Stage-3 to become operational soon

The long-awaited 800MW North Chennai Critical Thermal Power Station Stage-3 is on the cusp of becoming operational. After experiencing delays, this ambitious project, valued at Rs 8,273 crores, is nearing completion, with power generation expected to commence from December onwards. The final stages of pre-commissioning tests are currently underway, marking a crucial milestone for the project. According to sources from the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco), pre-commissioning activities, such as steam blowing tests, are progressing smoothly. To complete this essential process, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), the primary contractor, has requested a 60-day timeframe. Once the steam blowing process is successfully completed, the power plant will be synchronized with the grid, and operations for Stage-3 will commence in December, as assured by Tangedco. The timing of this milestone is strategic, as it aligns with the anticipated surge in power demand across Tamil Nadu in February 2024. The North Chennai Critical Thermal Power Station Stage-3 is poised to play a pivotal role in ensuring a stable and reliable power supply during periods of high demand. The execution of this colossal project involved the concerted efforts of two major contractors: BHEL and BGR Energy Systems Ltd (BGRESL). BHEL secured the procurement contract for the critical Boiler, Turbine, and Generator (BTG) package. BGRESL, on the other hand, was responsible for the Balance of Plant (BoP) package, civil-related works, and other ancillary aspects of the project.