Materials research and opportunities in thermal (coal-based) power sector including advanced ultra super critical power plants

Abstract

The Integrated Energy Policy of the Government of India envisages an ambitious programme for power capacity addition to about 800 GWe by 2031-32 towards meeting the energy demands of the country for ensuring the required economic growth and improved standards of living. For minimizing carbon dioxide emissions, through achieving the highest possible energy efficiency and reducing coal required per unit of power generated, it is planned to adopt clean-coal-based power generation technologies such as supercritical, ultra-supercritical, advanced ultra-supercritical and integrated gasification combined cycle, which are in different stages of development, demonstration and commercialization worldwide. Certain innovative options such as carbon dioxide capturing and sequestration and high-temperature bio-waste and bio-fuel based plants are also being explored. This paper discusses the materials research and opportunities of these power generation technologies.