APGenco plans two power units at Lower Sileru project

Amaravati: The state government is focusing on enhancing the installation capacity of hydroelectric power and asked officials to explore the ways for utilising Sileru River water for installing another two new units at Lower Sileru and a pump storage plant at Upper Sileru.

Officials said that over 1,000 MW of hydel power can be generated if an underground pump storage power plant is set up at Upper Sileru and another 230 MW can be generated at Lower Sileru.

The state government had recently focussed its attention on development of solar parks and targeted to achieve an installation capacity of 4,000 MW by 2020. As the solar parks can be built with less expenditure in short duration compared with hydel projects, the government has diverted its focus towards development of solar parks.

But, the frequent fluctuations in tariff rates are creating uncertainty in renewable energy sector. Some solar parks are facing losses with the surge in tariff rates from Rs 2.75 to Rs 4.50.

In view of this, the Energy department is exploring ways to create additional installation capacity of hydel power. The APGenco is preparing a detailed project report (DPR) on setting up of  underground pump storage power plant at Upper Sileru. A survey is being conducted using drones at Upper Sileru to prepare technical reports.

The power plant will be useful to absorb renewable energy by recycling water using reversible operation technology in addition to the existing 240 MW power generating station at Upper Sileru.

Solar Power Corporation Managing Director G Adisheshu, who is overseeing the technical issues of the proposed power plant, told The Hans India that the underground storage pump house has been planned for reuse of water to be released from the existing 240 MW power station at Upper Sileru.

“The used water of the existing power station at Upper Sileru can be stored in the underground storage pump house during the off-peak time. The same water can be used to generate power in the peak time using reversible operation technology when the tariff rate is high. As a result, we can benefit from the difference between tariffs rates,” he said.  

He said that around 1,000 MW of hydel power can be generated at Upper Sileru. Similarly, the APGenco is planning to set up additional two units at Lower Sileru hydroelectric project. Civil works for six units (115MWx6 units), including power house for a hydroelectric project at Lower Sileru, had been completed at the time of project installation. But, only four units are under operation and due to which surplus waters available in entire year at Lower Sileru were being wasted.

The APGenco is now considering enhancing its capacity to 690 MW by bringing another two units into utilisation. Adisheshu said the capacity of existing power canal has to be enhanced for bringing the proposed two units into operational.  “Due to some topographical constraints, the Genco is considering to lay penstock (pipeline) as an alternative. An additional 230 MW of power can be generated if the effort on erecting of penstock is fruitful,” he said.