Tata Power said the first unit of 800 MW of its 4,000 MW ultra mega power project in Mundra, Gujarat, had achieved full load.
The unit was synchronised with the national grid on January 8. It will commence commercial operations shortly.
The unit had been ready for synchronisation since July 2011, and was awaiting transmission lines from Power Grid Corporation. Power Grid's evacuation system was delayed due to issues related to environmental clearance. The lines were commissioned on September 29.
Tata Power said work on the balance four units — each of 800 MW — was progressing well.
Mr Anil Sardana, Managing Director, Tata Power said, “This is the largest single turbine in the country. The project is on schedule and we will be announcing commissioning soon.”
The 4,000-MW Mundra project is the first of the ultra mega power projects which herald the entry of 800 MW super-critical boiler technology in India. Spread over 1,000 hectares, the project will have five units of 800 MW each that can generate saleable power of 3,800 MW for supply to Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab.
Tata Power's wholly-owned subsidiary, Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd, a special purpose vehicle formed for setting up and operating the project, has signed power purchase agreements (PPAs) with seven procurers (distribution licensees) from the five states for the sale of the contracted capacity.
Tata Power said the super-critical technology and the choice of unit size will help the project achieve higher efficiency — saving fuel and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.