The Business Bytes
Dhenkanal, December 24, 2024 (TBB Bureau): GMR Kamalanga Energy Limited (GKEL), a subsidiary of GMR Power and Urban Infra Ltd (GPUIL), has achieved a prestigious milestone by winning the Odisha State Energy Conservation Award (OSECA) 2024. This recognition underscores the company’s commitment to energy efficiency and conservation initiatives.
The company received the Top Performer Award in the Captive Power Plant/Independent Power Producer (CPP/IPP) category at a state-level function organised by the Department of Energy, Office of Engineer-in-Chief (Electricity)-cum-PCEI (Principal Chief Electrical Inspector), with support from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), on the eve of National Energy Conservation Day at Lok Seva Bhawan, Bhubaneswar. Manoj Mishra, Plant Head of GKEL, received the award on behalf of the company from Odisha Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo, who also oversees the Energy, Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment portfolios.
GKEL’s commendable energy conservation efforts include the implementation of 11 energy-saving projects. These initiatives have resulted in substantial savings of 53 lakh kWh of electrical energy and 106.61 tons of giga calories of thermal energy in terms of coal and oil usage. The company has also innovatively reduced its specific raw water consumption from 2.14 M³/MWh to 2.10 M³/MWh by employing best practices and innovative approaches in operations.
Speaking on the achievement, Ashis Basu, CEO of GMR Energy, said, “We are humbled to be recognized with this prestigious award for our initiatives in conserving energy. While carrying out our current projects, we are also exploring new technologies to set industry benchmarks and further our commitment to sustainability.”
GKEL operates a 1050 MW (3×350 MW) coal-based power plant located in Kamalanga Village, Dhenkanal district. The plant’s strategic location near the coal belt enables efficient operations. It has long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with GRIDCO (Odisha), Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVNL), Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVNL), Bihar State Electricity Board, and a medium-term PPA with Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB).
