As part of the experiential learning initiative of the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, students from the M.Sc. Environmental Science and M.Tech. Environmental and Sustainable Engineering programmes undertook an academic visit to the Dr Narla Tatarao Thermal Power Station (NTTPS) at Ibrahimpatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on December 10, 2025. The students were accompanied by Dr Nirav P. Raval, Assistant Professor at the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering who guided the academic interactions during the visit.
NTTPS, operated by the Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corporation Limited (APGENCO), is among the third largest coal-fired thermal power plants in India. Commissioned in phases since 1979, the power station plays a vital role in meeting the base-load electricity requirements of Andhra Pradesh. Strategically located on the banks of the Krishna River, the facility benefits from reliable water availability and robust rail connectivity for coal transportation. With generating units ranging from 210 MW to 800 MW (supercritical technology), NTTPS has an installed capacity exceeding 1,760 MW, making it a major contributor to the South Indian power grid.
The visit was organised to provide students with hands-on exposure to the operational, environmental, and management aspects of a coal-based thermal power plant. During the visit, students closely observed and studied:
- Coal handling and storage systems
- Boiler, turbine, and condenser operations
- Cooling water intake and effluent management practices
- Air pollution control systems such as ESPs
- Ash handling, utilization, and disposal mechanisms
- Environmental monitoring and compliance frameworks
The visit significantly enriched the students’ understanding of large-scale energy production, environmental safeguards, and sustainability challenges associated with thermal power generation, thereby strengthening the bridge between classroom learning and field-level industrial practices.
