National Awards for Thermal Power Plants | 11 Mar 2025

Why in News? 

Three thermal power plants in Madhya Pradesh have been honored with the National Award for their efficient and effective management of fly ash. 

Key Points  

  • About the Award:  
    • This award was given to Shri Singaji Thermal Power Station Dongalia, Satpura Thermal Power Station Sarni and Amarkantak Thermal Power Station Chachai of Madhya Pradesh Power Generating Company (MPPGCL) . 
    • This honour was given during the 14th International Housing Conference held in Goa on the theme of Fly Ash Utilisation-2025. 
  • Award Category: 
    • Satpura Thermal Power Station and Amarkantak Thermal Power Station were given this award in the category of less than 500 MW installed capacity . 
    • Whereas this award was given  to Shri Sinhaji Thermal Power Station in the category of more than 500 MW installed capacity . 
    • Shri Singaji Thermal Power Station has made sustainable and effective use of more than 100 percent fly ash. 

Fly Ash 

  • About: 
    • Fly ash is a pollutant typically produced by coal-fired power plants , carried by gases expelled from the combustion chamber. 
    • It is collected from the expelled gases by electrostatic precipitators or bag filters. 
    • Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) is defined as a filter device used to remove fine particles such as smoke and dust from a flowing gas. 
    • This device is often used for air pollution control activities. 
  • Combination: 
    • Fly ash contains significant amounts of silicon dioxide (SiO2), aluminium oxide (Al2O3), ferric oxide (Fe2O3) and calcium oxide (CaO) . 
  • Application:  
    • It is used in concrete and cement products, road base, metal recovery and mineral filler etc. 
  • Harmful effects:  
    • Fly ash particles are toxic air pollutants . They can cause heart disease, cancer, respiratory disease, and stroke .