BHEL produces the first set of indigenous SCR catalysts to limit NOx emissions

The first batch of indigenous SCR Catalysts for reducing NOx emissions from thermal power plants has been successfully produced, according to state-owned engineering company Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL). According to a BHEL release, the government's "Make in India" strategy has reached a critical milestone with the production of these selective catalytic reactors (SCR), which were previously imported. Renuka Gera, Director (Industrial Systems & Products), BHEL, from the company's Solar Business Division (SBD) plant in Bengaluru, reportedly flagged off the first batch of locally produced SCR catalysts for the 5x800 MW Yadadri Thermal Power Station in Telangana.

BHEL has set up an SCR catalyst manufacturing facility at its SBD unit to cater to NOx abatement in thermal power stations. Combustion of coal converts the nitrogen bound in coal to form products such as nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and nitrous oxide (N2O). These products are collectively called oxides of nitrogen (NOx) a major pollutant. Recognizing the long-term severe effects of NOx and in consideration of the Ministry of Environment and Forest's notification, the Telangana State Power Generation Corporation Limited (TSGENCO) placed an order for SCRs for a 5x800 MW Yadadri thermal power station.

Further, Maharashtra State Power Generation Co Ltd (MAHAGENCO) for 1x660 MW Bhusawal thermal power station, West Bengal Power Development Corporation Limited (WBPDCL) for 1x660 MW Sagardighi thermal power station and NALCO for 1x18.5 MW Damanjodi thermal power station. BHEL has been committed to environment protection and offers a complete bouquet of environment-friendly technologies for thermal power plants. In addition to high-efficiency boilers, BHEL supplies electrostatic precipitators, Flue Gas Desulphurisation units and Selective Catalyst Reactors for which the company has indigenized the technology absorbed from the market leader, NANO, Republic of Korea.