New Delhi: Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has announced that it will conduct India’s first-ever demonstration of methanol-fired gas turbine technology at the 350 MW Kayamkulam Combined Cycle Power Plant (CCPP) operated by NTPC. This pioneering project, located in Alappuzha district, Kerala, represents a significant milestone in the country’s energy sector.

The demonstration aims to revive inactive gas turbine units in India that have been sidelined due to the scarcity of natural gas and naphtha. The Kayamkulam CCPP, which was originally installed by BHEL in 1998-99, consists of two 115 MW gas turbines and a 120 MW steam turbine.

BHEL’s role in the project includes providing technology support, equipment supply, and auxiliary services, as well as overseeing erection and commissioning. The demonstration will proceed in two phases. The initial phase, lasting 12 months, will test methanol firing at 30-40% load. Upon successful completion, the second phase will involve a full-load demonstration at 100%.

Key project equipment, including tanks, fire protection systems, and piping, will be supplied by BHEL’s Hyderabad units. BHEL has a long history of supplying and servicing gas turbine-based power plants, with over 7,500 MW installed across India.