NEWS – Study Suggests Use of Waste Water in Thermal Plants at Ballari, Raichur

HIGHLIGHTS

Key Findings

• Study Origin: Conducted by researchers from the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS).
• Main Insight: Utilizing wastewater in thermal plants can significantly reduce fresh water consumption in Ballari and Raichur, where water availability for residents is below the stipulated standards.

Water Supply Situation

• Current Supply: Residents in Ballari and Raichur receive 100 litres per capita per day (lpcd).
• Government Standard: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs recommends 135 lpcd.

Thermal Power Stations (TPS) in the Region

• Raichur TPS: 1,720 MW capacity
• Yeramarus TPS: 1,600 MW capacity
• Ballari TPS: 1,700 MW capacity
• JSW Captive Power Plant: 860 MW capacity
• Water Demand: Higher than the stipulated value of 3.5 cubic metre per MW, except for the JSW plant.

Impact of Water Shortages

• Shutdowns:
  • Raichur TPS: 60-day partial shutdown in 2016.
  • Ballari TPS: 98-day partial shutdown in 2017-18.
• Importance: TPSs contribute to 72% of India’s electricity generation, highlighting the need for reliable operations to ensure affordable power.

Urbanisation and Power Demand

• Urban Growth: Increased urbanization will lead to higher demand for both power and water.
• Sustainable Measures: Advocated for the use of treated wastewater to meet the growing demands.

Cost Efficiency Example

• Koradi TPS (Nagpur):
  • Capacity: 1,980 MW
  • Cost of Treated Water: Rs 3.73 per cubic metre
  • Cost of Freshwater: Rs 9.6 per cubic metre
  • Savings: Rs 23 crore in capital and 40 million cubic metres of freshwater annually.

Future Projections

• Population and Water Demand by 2050:
  • Ballari: Population 9.2 lakh; Water Demand 124 mld; Supply Potential 85 mld.
  • Raichur: Population 3.67 lakh; Water Demand 50 mld; Supply Potential 39 mld.
• TPS and Industrial Water Demand by 2050:
  • Ballari: 74 million cubic metres annually.
  • Raichur: 40 million cubic metres annually.

Proposed Solutions and Cost Factors

• Construction of Treatment Plants: High costs, suggesting partnerships between urban local bodies and TPS.
• Cost Savings:
  • Ballari TPS: Rs 8.8 crore per annum by 2030, Rs 12.6 crore by 2050.
  • Yeramarus TPS: Rs 6 crore per annum by 2030, Rs 8 crore by 2050.
• Freshwater Savings: Diverted for domestic use, providing 30-40 lpcd additional drinking water.

Importance of Treated Wastewater

• Climate Change: Increasing scarcity of water resources.
• Cost Effectiveness: Treated wastewater must be cheaper than freshwater to attract industrial use.
• Quality Requirements:
  • Cooling Towers: Higher water quality needed.
  • Ash Handling: Secondary-treated water suffices.

Conclusion

• Integrated Approach: Essential to address future urban water and power needs sustainably.
• Strategic Choices: Power plants must optimize their use of treated wastewater based on quality requirements and availability.