3,340 MW Strength, MAHAGENCO Management, and Future in Energy Mix
Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station (CSTPS) is Maharashtra’s largest power plant, boasting a 3,340 MW capacity and supplying over 25% of the state’s electricity. Operated by MAHAGENCO, this coal-fired giant in Chandrapur district powers industries and homes while driving regional growth.
Nestled 10 km from Chandrapur city in Vidarbha, the plant covers 11,000 hectares near rich coal mines like Durgapur and Padmapur from Western Coalfields Limited. Water supply draws from Erai Dam, with Chargaon Dam as backup during shortages. Inaugurated in 1984 by PM Indira Gandhi, it anchors Maharashtra’s energy needs.
Total installed capacity stands at 3,340 MW across nine units, though operational output is around 2,920 MW post-retirements. Early 210 MW units from the 1980s mix with modern 500 MW additions up to 2016; Units 1-2 retired in 2016 after Units 8-9 came online.
Coal fuels subcritical boilers to produce steam for turbines, generating reliable baseload power for 25% of Maharashtra’s demand. It supports Vidarbha’s industries, creates jobs, and boosts local economy, with real-time emission monitoring linked to CPCB.
Environmental Measures
Equipped with electrostatic precipitators and continuous monitors, CSTPS complies with norms amid pollution concerns like SO2. Recent pushes include Flue Gas Desulphurization; a proposed 800 MW ultra-supercritical unit (₹9,892 crore) aims for efficiency and lower emissions.
Coal gets burned in huge boilers to make steam, which spins turbines to crank out electricity. This steady supply powers Vidarbha’s factories, creates thousands of jobs, and fuels the local economy. MAHAGENCO keeps a close eye on emissions with online monitors linked straight to pollution watchdogs like CPCB.
