The Udupi Power Plant is a coal‑fired thermal power station located in the Udupi district of Karnataka, India, on the coast of the Arabian Sea near the town of Udupi. The facility was developed by Udupi Power Generation Company Ltd., a joint venture that includes Indian and foreign stakeholders; the precise composition of the ownership consortium varies across sources.
Technical specifications
- Primary fuel: Coal, supplied primarily from mines in eastern India and transported to the plant via sea and rail.
- Installed capacity: Reported to be 1,200 MW, consisting of two units of approximately 600 MW each. Accurate information is not confirmed.
- Technology: Supercritical steam turbine technology is employed to improve thermal efficiency; the exact turbine models and manufacturers have not been independently verified.
Operational history
- The plant received its initial environmental clearances in the mid‑2000s and construction proceeded thereafter. Commercial generation is reported to have begun around 2008, though precise commissioning dates for each unit are not uniformly documented.
- Since commencing operations, the plant has supplied electricity to the Southern Regional Grid of India, contributing to the state’s power supply and industrial demand.
Environmental and regulatory aspects
- The Udupi Power Plant has been subject to environmental scrutiny due to concerns over air emissions, water usage, and coastal ecosystem impact. It operates under the conditions set by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board. Specific emission control technologies and compliance records are not publicly detailed.
Economic impact
- The facility is a significant source of employment in the region, both directly at the plant and indirectly through ancillary services such as coal handling, logistics, and maintenance.
- It also contributes to the local economy through corporate social responsibility initiatives, although the scope and outcomes of such programs are not comprehensively documented.
Current status
- As of the latest available reports, the plant remains operational and continues to generate electricity for the national grid. Precise data on its current generation output, plant availability, and future expansion plans are not publicly disclosed.
Note: While the existence of the Udupi Power Plant is documented in multiple industry and government sources, some technical and operational details lack independent verification. Accurate information is not confirmed for certain aspects such as exact commissioning dates, specific equipment suppliers, and detailed emission control measures.