Vindhyachal Thermal Power Station
The largest power plant in India
Location
History & Background
Commissioned in 1987, Vindhyachal Thermal Power Station is a coal power plant located in India with an installed capacity of 4.8 GW. It is operated by NTPC. By installed capacity, it ranks among the top 5 power plants in India.
Why It Matters
Vindhyachal Thermal Power Station is one of the largest sources of dispatchable power in India, generating enough electricity for around 2.2 million US-equivalent households per year. Coal plants of this scale historically anchored national grids, but their high CO2 intensity makes them central targets in most decarbonization plans.
Environmental Impact
Vindhyachal Thermal Power Station is among the most carbon-intensive forms of electricity generation. A plant of this size typically emits roughly 21.8 million tonnes of CO2 per year, along with particulate matter, sulfur compounds, and trace heavy metals. Most national decarbonization plans include phasing plants like this out within the next two decades.
Fun Facts
- The largest power plant in India by installed capacity.
- Produces enough electricity to power roughly 2.2 million US-equivalent households per year at typical capacity factor.
- Has been operating for 39 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much power does Vindhyachal Thermal Power Station produce?▾
Vindhyachal Thermal Power Station has an installed nameplate capacity of 4.8 GW. At typical capacity factors for coal plants (~55%), this produces enough electricity for approximately 2.2 million US-equivalent households per year.
Where is Vindhyachal Thermal Power Station located?▾
Vindhyachal Thermal Power Station is located in India at approximately 24.0869°, 82.6694°.
When was Vindhyachal Thermal Power Station built?▾
Vindhyachal Thermal Power Station was commissioned in 1987.
Who owns Vindhyachal Thermal Power Station?▾
Vindhyachal Thermal Power Station is owned and operated by NTPC.
About Coal Power
Coal power plants burn coal to produce steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity. While reliable and capable of producing large amounts of power, coal plants are significant sources of CO2 emissions and air pollution.
Other Coal Power Plants in India
| Name | Capacity | Owner |
|---|---|---|
| ⚡Mundra Thermal Power Station | 4.6 GW | Adani Power |
| ⚡Mundra Tata Ultra Mega Power Project | 4.2 GW | Tata Power |
| ⚡Sasan Ultra Mega Power Project | 4.0 GW | Reliance Power |
| ⚡Tiroda Thermal Power Station | 3.3 GW | Adani Power |
| ⚡Talcher Super Thermal Power Station | 3.0 GW | NTPC |
Related Reading
Data Information
Data Sources
Power plant data is based on the Global Power Plant Database by World Resources Institute, in collaboration with Google, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Enipedia, and the Global Energy Observatory.
Disclaimer
Information found on this page is for informational purposes only. Power plant specifications, ownership, and operational status may have changed since the data was last updated. Please verify critical information with official sources.