NTPC to partner with GE Power to reduce carbon footprint from coal-fired power plants

NTPC, an Indian state-owned power generating utility, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with GE Power India, a subsidiary of GE Steam Power, with an aim to bring down the carbon footprint of its existing coal-fired power plants in India.

The objective of the MOU is to undertake research, development, and engineering of technologies that will help NTPC cut the quantity of coal fired in its power plants and replace it gradually by co-firing alternate fuels such as methanol, carbon neutral fuel and agricultural waste, biomass, or ammonia in the boilers.

According to NTPC, this approach will leverage huge existing infrastructure and lesser new investment will be needed when compared to other decarbonization ideas. Furthermore, with coal being the only option for base load in India, it will help to lower carbon footprint from source of reliable power, for the years to come.

Prashant Jain — GE Power India MD and GE Steam Power RGM said: “This MOU is in line with our country’s efforts to adopt advanced powering technology to decarbonize power generation.

“We are excited to partner with NTPC Limited on finding solutions to address carbon emissions, while ensuring efficient, reliable and affordable power generation. This is a huge stride in India’s energy transition journey as the country looks ahead to achieve its net-zero targets.”

NTPC to partner with GE Power India to reduce carbon footprint from coal-fired power plants. Photo courtesy of Joe from Pixabay.

As the main objective, the partnership will support NTPC in co-firing biomass pellets over 20% and up to 100%, apart from enabling the company to co-fire methanol.

The collaboration will also study the feasibility of having ammonia as a co-firing fuel, and also develop, test, and demonstrate technologies that permit 100% co-firing with lower carbon fuels in coal-fired power plants.

Ujjwal Kanti Bhattacharya — NTPC Director of Projects said: “We are looking forward to working with GE Power India Limited as NTPC intends to minimize the carbon footprint of our 57+ GW coal-based units. We aim to decrease carbon footprint from our coal fired power plants by co-firing of alternative fuels such as carbon neutral fuel, Green Methanol and Green Ammonia.

“It will support our goal of reducing carbon emissions from our coal-based power generation, as part of NTPC’s “The Brighter Plan 2032” that aims at setting new benchmarks in sustainability along the entire energy value chain in India.”

Recently, NTPC signed an MoU with GE Gas Power to study the feasibility of hydrogen (H2) co-firing blended with natural gas in GE’s 9E gas turbines.