Tamil Nadu unable to realise full power from Kudankulam, says Electricity Minister P Thangamani

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu could not realise the full quantum of allocated power from Kudankulam Nuclear Power plant in Tirunelveli district as the first two units are facing technical glitches, according to Electricity Minister P Thangamani.

Addressing the conference of Ministers for Power and New & Renewable Energy of States & Union Territories in New Delhi, he said the State has been allocated 1,125 MW from Kudankulam Units 1 and 2 having a total installed capacity of 2,000 MW.

However, Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Unit 1 was generating only around 800 MW due to sea water intrusion into the system and Unit 2 is under forced shutdown since August 4, 2017 due to Stator Cooling Water Motor Trip.

When New Indian Express contacted Hari Narayan Sahu, Site Director of Koodankulam Nuclear Power Project, he said initial glitches were there but they have been rectified. He said sea water intrusion was there in the secondary water system, affecting its chemistry. “As a result, we cut down on power generation and it was generating only 800 MW to remove additional sodium and chloride content present in sea water. Two days ago, the Unit I was generating 1,000 MW and similarly Unit II is also generating 1,000 MW as the technical glitches have been rectified,” he said.  

Meanwhile, Thangamani also urged the Union Power Minister to allocate the entire power generation of 2000 MW to Tamil Nadu from Kudankulam plant units 3 & 4.

The minister also highlighted the coal crisis being faced by thermal power plants in the State. “Less realisation of domestic coal under regular Fuel Supply Agreements (FSA) and poor realisation under additional agreements signed for import substitution have led to critical coal stock levels at all Thermal Power Stations of Tangedco. Due to this, some of the units are under shutdown,” he said.

“Several representations have been made to Government of India and Coal India Limited (CIL) to improve the supply of domestic coal. Although domestic coal realisation has increased from 65 per cent during September 2017 to 68 per cent in October 2017. But this is far less than the requirement as a result Tangedco is being forced to import coal,” the minister added.

He urged the Union Power Ministry to recommend to Ministry of Coal to direct Coal India Limited to supply 72,000 tonnes of coal on a daily basis and railway authorities to allot 20 rakes daily.  The minister also sought a long term coal linkage to the tune of 18.28 tonnes per annum to meet the coal requirements of the upcoming projects.