Power Prowess: Essar's Expanding Generation Capacity

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editorial board
Anil Matoo EPOL
Contents
Ashok Singh EPOL

KB Makadia VPCL
MK Sharma EPMPL
Message from KVB Reddy,

Director, Power Business Group.....................4
Nilesh Dave EPGL
Message from Anil Matoo...............................5
Shailendra Saha - EPJL
Power at a Glance...........................................6
Sanjeev Shekhar - EPJL

Prabhat Sharma - EPMPL
Prateek Garg - EPOL
Nitin Agarwal - EPHL
Chiteri Saxena - EPOL
Natasha Fernandes - EPGL
Power Talk
In Conversation with Ramesh Kumar,

Managing Director, EPGL............ 9
HR NEWS
Essar Bags The Gold Award for Technology

Excellence in HR................................................... 16
Essar Power Learning Centre:

In pursuit of excellence........................................ 17
Bringing Everything Together under One Roof............. 20
Strategy Execution by Redefining Performance........... 21
POWER VITALIZING EVENTS
One-on-One with T.S. Bhatt,

Head, Hazira Plant..................... 12
Power Awards..................................................................................... 23
In my View: K.B. Makadia,

Head, Vadinar Power................. 14
Townhall: Opening the Doors of Communication............................. 27
EVENTS
Knowledge Circle: Share, Learn & Grow........................................... 29
Aagman: Integrating You into the Essar Way of Life........................ 26

Mentor Mentee Meet:
Nurturing young talent from job skills to life skills............................ 28
My India, My Pride: Essar Power

celebrates Republic Day............ 42
Bol Bindass: Where Every Voice Counts........................................... 30
Dance, Dandiya, Lights & Lanterns

this festive season at Essar............ 43
Coffee with CEO/HEad: Brewing Sustainable Relationships........... 32
Christmas: the Season of Red........ 44
Genexpress: Connecting with Power Youth...................................... 31

Sanidhya............................................................................................. 33
Celebrating Woman Power............. 45
Sparsh: Dialogue with Senior Leaders.............................................. 34
Splendid Splash of Colours

at Holi............................................... 46
Time out with Team............................................................................ 36
Fiesta Lunch....................................................................................... 35
Fun at Work: Take a Power break...................................................... 37
BUSINESS BUZZ
A Journey towards Success: Essar Power Gujarat Limited............ 50
KNOW YOUR
COLLEAGUE
Accolades received by Essar Power................................................ 54

Bhander Power bags
CII Environment Best practices award 2013.................................... 56
Meet Saurav Srivastava,

Commercial Team Power Business
................................................47
Launch of Company regulations for PT MBL,

Indonesia........................................................................................... 57
Meet Arun Kumar,

Head Maintenance EPMP..........48
The Role of Tariff in the Power Sector.............................................. 61
MY SPACE
Lens of Powerite..............................86
Portraits of Powerite.......................91
Highlights of the Essar Power MP Ltd Operations.......................... 58

Powering Change: CSR at Power Business Locations................... 62
Enriching the culture of safety:
Job Radar System at Vadinar Power Company Limited................. 64
The Story so far: 270 MW Multi-fuel Power Plant, Hazira............... 66
Updates on Essar Power Transmission............................................ 68
Power Sector: Challenges and Opportunities.................................. 71
India Coal Sector: the Way Forward................................................. 74
Embracing Technology: Cooled Condensers
at Essar Power Jharkhand Limited, Tori........................................... 80
Reach Far and Beyond: Essar Power Canada Limited................... 81
Steady & Strong: Essar Power Orissa Limited................................. 84
Story of Achievements: Captive Power Plant Vizag........................ 85
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editors desk
editors desk
Message from KVB Reddy,

Director, Power Business Group
This expanded capacity

will make us one of the
largest, integrated and
cost competitive private
producers in India
KVB Reddy
Message from Anil Matoo
am delighted to bring to you the new issue of PoweritE,

which will give you a glimpse of Powers achievements,
business news, employee initiatives and other highlights
of the year. I would like to share with you future plans for the
Power business and some of the challenges we are currently
faced with as we strive for bigger goals.
elcome to the issue of PoweritE 2014, our in-house

magazine which offers plethora of business insights
and creativity. The latest business news, people
practices, stories on life at Essar Power, conversations with
senior leaders, creative talent and more are all part of this
employee centric magazine.
Essar Power has an operating capacity of 3910 MW

currently which includes a portfolio of gas/fuel-fired plants
and coal based plants. We have taken up a challenging
capacity expansion program, covering locations across
India, to help us reach a generation capacity of approximately
6700 MW. We expect to complete the under construction
Paradip and Hazira plants shortly which will complete our
ROE plants portfolio and secure the power requirements
of Group companies. Mahan unit 2 and Mahan Sipat
transmission line should also be complete in this FY. Barring
the Tori project, which is still two years away, we would have
completed our entire power project expansion.
From a business perspective, we have witnessed

significant achievements at various Power Business
locations in 2012-13 despite the challenges. All attention
has been on the first unit of 2 X 600 MW of Salaya I project
in Gujarat which has commenced commercial operations.
VPCL Phase II and Mahan Unit I have also been successfully
commissioned.
This would have been achieved despite the turbulent

times the industry is facing with regulatory uncertainty over
coal supplies, mine clearances, disbursement hold up by
financial institutions. Our projects have also faced these
issues but as a team we have managed to overcome most
of the hurdles as we come to the end of our expansion
program. This expanded capacity will make us one of the
largest, integrated and cost competitive private producers
in India
I believe we have a strong and talented team at Essar
Power which has always risen to the occasion and going
forward also Im sure your commitment to the organisation
will hold us in good stead.
Recently, Essar Power has bagged the Gold Award for

outstanding achievement in Innovation and Talent Retention
Strategies awarded by the Greentech Foundation, New
Delhi. Talking about grooming and nurturing, Essar Power
has also achieved nine training man days per employee
reaffirming our commitment to people development. Our
state-of-the-art 2X600MW Simulator Training Center
continually provides top quality training to our freshers and
laterals.
Remember, PoweritE is your magazine reflecting your
views, experiences, achievements, initiatives and talent. We
encourage you to keep sending in new articles, feedback
and ideas at powerite@essar.com.
Essar Power has bagged

the Gold Award for
outstanding achievement
in Innovation and Talent
Retention Strategies
awarded by the Greentech
Foundation, New Delhi.
Anil Matoo
Best Regards,
Sincerely,
Anil Matoo
KVB Reddy
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POWER AT A GLANCE
POWER AT A GLANCE
POWER
ssar Energy, a first mover among the private-sector players in the Indian power industry, currently has a total
installed generation capacity of 3,910 MW.
Essar Energy is one of Indias leading private power producers with more than 15-year operating track
record. The companys power business currently has seven operational power plants in India and one operational
power plant in Algoma, Canada, with a total installed generation capacity of 3,910 MW.
Essar Energy also has access to approximately 500 mmt of coal resources across seven coal blocks in India and
overseas.
Status
Project
Location
OPERATIONAL
Essar Power Hazira
Gujarat
Capacity (MW)
515
Vadinar Power
Gujarat
120
Bhander Power
Gujarat
500
Algoma Power Plant
Canada
85
Vadinar P1
Gujarat
380
Salaya I
Gujarat
1,200
Vadinar P2
Gujarat
510
Mahan I (Unit I)
Madhya Pradesh
600
Total Current
3,910
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Mahan I ( Unit II)
Madhya Pradesh
600
Hazira II
Gujarat
270
Paradip
Orissa
120
POWER
AT A
Total Under Construction
AT A
GLANCE
6,700
OPERATING
Essar Power - Hazira (515 MW)
Commissioned in October 1997, the Essar PowerHazira power plant is a multi-fuel (naphtha, highspeed diesel, natural gasoline liquid and/or natural
gas) combined-cycle power plant located near the
Essar Steel facility in Hazira, Gujarat.
Essar Steel and GUVNL, the Gujarat State power
utility, purchase 215 MW and 300 MW of the power,
respectively. They are responsible for providing the
fuel required at the power plant to generate the
power.
Vadinar Power - Jamnagar (120 MW)

The Vadinar Power power plant, located at the
Vadinar refinery complex, is one of the Vadinar
refinery's captive power and steam co-generation
plant. The plant is a 120 MW refinery residue-based
multi-fuel, captive, co-generation plant, with capacity
to generate 77 MW of power and 230 tph of steam.
Essar Oil provides the fuel required at the power
plant to generate the power and steam for the power
plant's operations.
Bhander Power - Hazira (500 MW)

The Bhander Power-Hazira plant, located in Hazira,
Gujarat, is a natural gas-fired combined-cycle
captive power plant. The plant was commissioned in
2006 and commenced full commercial operations in
October 2008.
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Essar Steel and other Essar Affiliated Companies

are responsible for providing the natural gas required
by the Bhander Power-Hazira plant, and in turn take the
power generated pursuant to their PPAs with Bhander
Power
Algoma Power Plant - Canada (85 MW)

Essar Power (Canada) (formerly Algoma Energy
LLP) owns and operates the Algoma Power Plant in
Ontario, Canada. This 85 MW co-generation plant was
commissioned on June 13, 2009. The plant's facilities
include two 375,000 pound/hour boilers and a 105 MW
turbine. The power plant converts waste gases from
Essar Steel, Algoma, in to electricity and steam for the
steelworks. 63 MW of the power produced is sold to the
Ontario Power Authority pursuant to a 20 year power
purchase agreement which expires in 2029.
Vadinar P1- Gujarat (380 MW)

The Vadinar P1 power plant, located at the Vadinar
refinery complex, is the Vadinar refinery's second
captive power plant. This plant is a 380 MW natural gasfired combined- cycle plant. This plant was the first to be
commissioned since the Company's IPO in May 2010.
Essar Oil provides the fuel required at the power
plant to generate the power and steam for the power
plant's operations.
Salaya I - Gujarat (1,200 MW)

The Salaya I power plant, located near Essar Oil's
refinery complex at Vadinar, Jamnagar district, Gujarat,
is an imported coal-fuelled thermal power plant with
two 600-MW generation units. Salaya I Unit 1 (600 MW)
started commercial operations from April 2012.
Coal for the plant will be extracted from Essar
Energy's captive coal mine in Indonesia.
Vadinar P2 - Gujarat (510 MW)

Vadinar P2 power plant consists of a multi-fuel (coal,
naphtha, light cycle oil, clarified slurry oil and furnace
oil) co-generation power plant with 325 MW of power
capacity and 900 tons per hour (tph) of steam capacity.
Steam from the facility will be provided to Essar Oil's
Vadinar refinery and power supplied to Essar Oil, Essar
Steel and the merchant market.
Fuel for Vadinar P2 will be provided by Essar Oil and
Essar Steel in line with their purchase requirements.
Mahan I - Madhya Pradesh (Unit I - 600

MW)
Coal for the plant will be supplied from the Mahan

captive coal block located approximately 5 km from the
power plant site.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Mahan I - Madhya Pradesh (Unit II - 600
MW)
The Mahan I Unit II is a part of Mahan I power plant
which is a 1,200 MW (2x600 MW) captive coal-fired pithead power plant located in Singrauli district, Madhya
Pradesh.
Coal for the plant will be supplied from the Mahan
captive coal block.
Hazira II - Gujarat (270 MW)

The Hazira II power plant, located at Hazira, Gujarat, will
be fueled predominantly by imported coal and corex gas
and fines from the adjacent Essar Steel corex plant and
comprises two generation units of 135-MW capacity.
Power from the plant will be supplied back to Essar
Steel.
Paradip - Orissa (120 MW)

The Paradip power plant will be a coal-fired power
plant comprising four generation units of 30 MW each
located in Paradip, Orissa. Paradip is a well-equipped
and serviced port, an advantage for the supply of
imported coal.
Power from the plant will be supplied to Essar Steel.
Tori I - Jharkhand (1,200 MW)

The Tori I power plant will be a captive pit-head coalfired power plant, comprising two generation units of
600 MW capacity each, located in Latehar district,
Jharkhand.
Fuel for the project will be sourced from the
Chakla and Ashok Karkata captive coal blocks owned
by the company. These blocks are currently under
development and proceeding through their respective
clearance processes.
Tori II - Jharkhand (600 MW)

The Tori II power plant is a 600 MW expansion of the Tori
I power project. Essar Power Jharkhand has acquired
the land for the project and the single boiler, turbine,
generator unit.
The Company expects to fuel the expansion project
from the coal mines already allocated to it at Chakla and
Ashok Karkata.
The Mahan I power plant is a 1,200 MW (2x600 MW)

captive coal-fired pit-head power plant located in
Singrauli district, Madhya Pradesh. Mahan I Unit I
synchronised and began commercial operations from
29 April 2013.
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POWER AT A GLANCE
power talk
coal reserves
INDIAN COAL BLOCKS
Mahan Coal Block
The Mahan coal block is located in Singrauli district
in Madhya Pradesh. It has an estimated reserve of
125 MT and is operated by Mahan Coal Ltd which
is a 50:50 joint venture between Essar Power and
Hindalco. The offtake ratio between Essar Power
and Hindalco is in the ratio of 60:40. The mine has
an approved annual production of 8.5 MT. The coal
extracted from this mine will be used by the Mahan
1 power plant.
Mahan Coal Block

Ashok Karkata Coal Block
Chakla Coal Block
Rampia Coal Block
Amelia Coal Mine

In September 2011, the Company secured a second
coal source for the Mahan I project when it was
allocated a share of the coal from the Amelia Coal
block by the Madhya Pradesh state government.
Essar Power and another company were jointly
allocated 20% of the coal from Amelia which will
be operated by the Madhya Pradesh State Mining
Corporation. Amelia is estimated to have around
287 million tonnes of coal reserves, according to the
Ministry of Coal. The Amelia block is in the approvals
stage.
Ashok Karkata Coal Block
Chakla Coal Block
Rampia Coal Block
The Chakla Coal Block is located in Jharkhand and

has an estimate reserve of 83mt. The coal from
this mine will be used in the Tori I and Tori II power
plants. Essar Power has a 100% allocation of this
coal block. This mine is still in the approvals stage.
The Rampia Coal Block is located in Orissa and Essar

Power's share of this block has an estimate reserve
of 112MT. The coal from this mine will be used in
the Navabharat power plant. This mine is still in the
approvals stage.
POWER
TALK
IN CONVERSATION WITH
RAMESH KUMAR
MANAGING DIRECTOR, EPGL
The Ashok Karkata Coal Block is located in Jharkhand

and has an estimate reserve of 110 mt. The coal from
this mine will be used in the Tori I and Tori II power
plants. Essar Power has a 100% allocation of this coal
block. This mine is still in the approvals stage.
overseas COAL BLOCKS

Aries Coal Mine
Aries Coal Block
The Aries Coal Mine is situated in Indonesia. It

was acquired in April 2010 for US$ 118 Mn. It is a
JORC resource with a 2P reserves of 72MT with
a potential production of 4 million tonnes per
annum. This mine is currently under development
and has received 'in principal' Panjam Pakai
forest approval. The coal extracted from this
mine will be used in Salaya I power plant.
Take us through your journey with Essar

Power so far.
I joined Essar on 10th July 2013 and was very happy to
be part of the Strategy Workshop held at Hazira, wherein
I could meet the leadership team of the various Assets
in the Power Business Group. It was a great opportunity
provided, enabling each Asset leader to present their
performance targets and also understand how other
Business leaders are structuring their thoughts to drive
their respective asset.
My journey thus far at Essar, has been very fulfilling,
as I had the opportunity to work on multiple challenges
the SBU was faced with and provide a direction to enable
closure of all the critical tasks at Salaya. The defining
moment I would say is when Unit 2 achieved continuous
operation of 185 days, which notably is a benchmark
for Chinese plants in India. I remember telling the team
on the day I first interacted, to aim at atleast 120 days
continuous running and I am glad that the team far
exceeded the expectation.
I could see a lot of promise in the young team of
EPGL during my first interaction, which I distinctly
remember was, on 16th July 2013. The team members,
I noticed were keen to learn and adapt quickly to the
change in leadership. Every business leader has a
Mozambique Coal Mine

The Mozambique coal mine is located in the
Tete district in Mozambique. It has an estimated
mineable reserves of 35MT. This mine is under
development. The coal extracted from this mine
will be used in the Salaya I power plant.
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power talk
very inimitable working and management style. When

there is a change of guard at leadership level, the team
normally needs to adapt quickly to the functioning of the
business leader and to the new environment. I would say
in my case, I was happy to observe that the change and
transformation happened rather quickly and bonhomie
was soon created between my team and me. The team,
I would say performed commendably well and achieved
most of the key targets set for itself by the leader of the
Power Business by performing to their full potential, if
not more.
I also had the opportunity of being part of a Board,
which provides me with very good inputs for the business
With a lot of thought and

innovative practices adopted,
the team EPGL was able to
combat the challenges.
RAMESH KUMAR
and have been immensely benefited by the interactions.

I would say, I had been equally fortunate to have close
interactions with VPCL leadership team as well, to look
at harmonizing practices across the Vadinar Complex,
either in the matter of Safety, Operations, Optimization
and Efficiencies etc. EPGL has a very young and
dynamic team, which is willing to walk the extra mile to
make things happen for the Company. I am proud to be
a part of the EPGL team, besides playing the role of a
Mentor, wherever required.
The journey though challenging and fulfilling, was
not free from obstacles the Asset has faced in particular
and power business in general. A highly volatile dollar
rupee exchange rate, rising coal prices and ocean
freight rates, water crisis in the first quarter of the
financial year, inadequate tariff to support the increasing
costs have posed several challenges, which were
tackled to ensure delivery and meet the expectations
set from the Asset. With a lot of thought and innovative
practices adopted, the team EPGL was able to combat
the challenges. The customer expectation in terms of
the plant availability has been met by EPGL, which is
a single major milestone, apart from bringing efficiency
in the operations, innovative practices in procurement,
and maintenance.
A team that can weather the storm can only deliver
performance of exceptional order, which EPGL achieved
during 2013-14 and being the leader of the team, I take
pride in the performance of EPGL and my team.
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What do you believe are the defining features of the

Essar culture?
Extending the helping hand whenever required, creating
an atmosphere of making work fun-filled activity, ease of
approach to people across the group and establishing
instant connect are few of the hallmark, defining the
features of Essar Culture. Nurturing talent and providing
immense opportunities for people to perform and grow
within the organization to take up leadership role also
adds on to it. Creating a bonhomie, which I witnessed
during the EPGL Rockz celebrations in December 2013
is another defining feature of the Essar Culture, wherein
it is not only the associates, who are encouraged but
also the members of the larger family, who are provided
with wonderful opportunity to bond with their colleagues
and their family.
What are the key skills employees need to develop to
add value to an organization?
The skills that I feel an employee requires to add
value to an organization are identifying opportunities
continuously to bring in efficiencies in their area of work
and knowledge of the industry such that one is better
prepared to participate in fruitful and experience filled
discussions. One must also have the ability to challenge
oneself constantly to better his/her own performance
every time and must have a flair for numbers, as ultimately
any decision should be translated to money or moneys
worth. Quick and analytical decision-making smoothens
the work flow in the organization and associates must
imbibe this quality and develop the same over time.
What are your interests, other than work? How do
you unwind?
I like to keep abreast on the developments in the Power
Sector and therefore read/follow the sector regularly.
Watching panel discussions on the Television on any
subject of national or international importance interests
me. To unwind nothing works better than reading books
on Management, nonfiction and fiction, mostly during
travel and most importantly spending time with my
family.
d. Large
scale
activism
challenging
the
environmental clearances granted, which has
reduced the ability to increase coal production,
though India is endowed with large amount of
coal reserves.

Transmission constraints have resulted in idling of

generation capacity, besides shortfall of power in
certain regions of the country.
Distribution Companies financial health has further
deteriorated, with intervention of Government,
in regulating tariff although tariff function is deregulated and is the function of the State Regulatory
Commission. Non- payment of subsidies due from
Government has further impacted the health of the
Distribution Companies.
Restriction imposed on grant of Open Access
especially in States like Gujarat, Maharashtra,
Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh for export of power.
Unviable tariff for imported coal based plants
due to steep rise in the international coal prices,
which has been further compounded by the steep
depreciation of the US Dollar with extreme volatility
in the exchange rates.
Overall slow- down in the economy has also
impacted the growth of the power sector.
Developments that will aid the Power sector are:

It is expected that the procedural requirements for

laying of transmission lines will be eased to:
i. de-congest the existing transmission network
and
ii. build new transmission network by augmenting
the total capacity.
The National Grid, which has enabled interlinking
of all regions to operate on a common frequency
The Power Sector has witnessed a severe setback in the

last few years mainly on account of
b. Quality of Coal
c. Pricing of domestic coal with international parity
while quality is not bench marked to international
quality
RAMESH KUMAR
What are the latest trends and developments that are

likely to impact the power sector in the near future?
Trends and developments that are likely to impact our
sector in the near future in my view are as follows:
a. Non-availability of domestic coal to meet the

requirement of power generation capacity
created
I vest my time in constant

mentoring of the Team in
putting in place systems which
are essential for enabling the
Company to work on auto mode
irrespective of who is at the helm.
A leader needs to be amenable

and adept to Change as change
is the only constant.
across the country is expected to further stabilize

and increase the transmission capacity for sale of
power to the southern part of India, where there
is a huge deficit and for generators in the western
region, it would be a huge opportunity as the region
is heading to be a surplus region like the eastern
region.
Softening and stabilization of the currency exchange
rate, though unwelcome to the IT industry, will be
good for the largely import based country, wherein
energy imports dominate the Balance of Payments
scenario and also because it is likely to control the
already high inflation that the common man faces.
Structural reforms in the Distribution sector will
take place to ensure the supply of power across
the country to meet the demand rather than resort
to load shedding, which is currently the practice.
Payment of right price for the power is likely to
become the order of the day and will improve the
financial health of the distribution companies.
Policy related issues regarding tariff and coal
supplies/coal mining is expected to bring hope to
the sector, which is vital for the growth of the country
and if GDP has to grow by double digit numbers,
this will become essential.
What are the core values that underline your

management style as a leader of Essar Power?
Empowerment of the team members is something
inevitable for me. I vest my time in constant mentoring
of the team in putting in place systems, which are
essential for enabling the Company to work on auto
mode irrespective of who is at the helm. I see translation
of decision in terms of money to evaluate its impact as
crucial and also aim to imbibe this quality amongst the
team members. A leader needs to be amenable and
adept to Change, as change is the only constant.
Quick and rational decision making gives lot of comfort
to the team in executing their tasks, works in my favor.
Anticipation of the likely issues and preparedness to
address the same is a key to adept management.
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power talk
power talk
The Essar team along with GE graduated through these
issues and the gas turbine tripping vanished. Our team
members were the most sought after at seminars, where
everybody wanted to know about these achievements.
We helped the Grid to normalize after several black outs.
Take us through your journey with

Essar Power so far.
I joined Essar Power 16 years ago at Hazira , in
September 1997, a month before the steam turbine of
our 515 MW power plant was re-commissioned and
taken to full load. We had a 300 MW PPA with GEB
and a 215 MW PPA with Steel. The 2MTPA steel plant
had 3 EAFs. We faced challenges such as usage of
naphtha fuel in gas turbine, optimum usage of power
units and steel plant trip as the double circuit 220Kv
transmission line could not take more than 300MW.
The grid capacity was hardly 20,000 MW (western
region grid ) and even a 100 MW fluctuation used to
cause trouble for the grid. The grid frequency would
go as low as 47.8 Hz.
We had a young and dynamic team. We
developed systems like maintenance planning,
monthly review, safety and quality systems, tripping
elimination, in-house simulators for training, spares
testing and advanced predictive maintenance
systems. Our 110 MW capacity gas turbines were
the first units of its kind, which started using naphtha
and it was said that gas turbines can trip any time !!! .
Hazira being the first Power plant of the company,

we had plenty of opportunities to develop new systems
and innovative practices. The team was always ready
for challenges. We are the only company to have had
the first major inspection of the Gas Turbine carried out
internally. Steam turbine generator balancing, which
was not permitted by GE was done at site. At times,
we surprised OEMs by improving and creating value
additions on their equipment like flow divider, turbine
bearing cooling system, GT air cooling/fogging system,
bucket repairs/coating, cooling tower fill height increase
etc. There have been enumerable achievements by the
team and team leaders.
Now at Hazira , we have 1015 MW capacity, with 9
turbines, 6 GTs, 6 HRSGs, 3 steam turbines and a total
experience of 18 years. The Grid has now expanded to
1,80,000 MW capacity (NEW grid ), the frequency is 49.9
Hz and we have 4 transmission lines. The Steel plant
has 4 EAFs and 4 Conarc furnace cells and the Steel
furnaces are highly reliable now.
As an IPP, we were the first ones to come on Grid
and we have consolidated our position over the years.
Today, Essar Power shines with best awards for Safety,
Environment, Efficient Water Usage and Best HR
Strategy received from Greentech, CII, NSC and GSC.
The most dearest Award to all is Sword of Honor from
British Safety Council .
POWER
TALK
ONE-ON-ONE WITH
T.S.BHATT
HEAD, HAZIRA PLANT
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Upcoming projects at Hazira , include installation of

two life lines for powering the 10 MTPA steel plant at
Hazira, a 270 MW multi fuel power project by the year
end and about 104 KM of 400 KV transmission system
from Jhenor (Bharuch) to Hazira, which is already
commissioned in March 2013 . It is further planned
to add coal fired boilers 200 MW capacity each for
generation through existing steam turbines at EPoL &
BPL
Now, with the Mahan 1st unit commissioning, Essar
Power is a 3910 MW Power Generating Company and
will soon cross the 4500 MW mark with Mahan 2nd unit
commissioning this year.
What is your opinion on managing regulation in India
in todays economic scenario?
Regulation in India, especially regulations related to
power have presented tremendous opportunities for the
business. Liberalization in the power sector brought in
by the Electricity Act 2003 has paved the way ahead
for the power sector in India.
The State Electricity Board has been bifurcated
into generation, transmission, power distribution and
power trading in addition to SLDC and SERC. The
spontaneous evolution of multicity of the agencies and
issues regarding their scope among themselves as
well as with respect to the private sector has created
temporary turbulence. However, this is getting settled
gradually by way of various judgments and clarifications
by the MoP (Ministry of Power).
It was amazing to know how lucidly EA 2003 has
explained that DISCOM is a bundle of hardware (cables)
and supply of power is totally separate. Consumers
requiring above 1 MW can buy power from the market
as open access consumer and DISCOM need to provide
this open access to consumers. But there are about
hundred such cases regarding open access in court.
The cloud of uncertainty over EA 2003 is gradually
disappearing and a positive scenario is emerging.
There are also various regulations in place relating to
the Environment. One thing is very clear, in the present
scenario; we must abide by given rules and earn positive
credits.
In your opinion, what are some of the current HR
practices at Essar Power that has had a positive
impact on employee engagement? What are the
focus areas to build engagement?
All our employee engagement practices are special in
their own way and meet their purpose. A Buddy at the
time of joining provides warmth and guidance, while
a bouquet of flowers on your birthday makes you feel
happy and proud that the Company cares for you. I
think that the Birthday Bash celebrated with cake
cutting and snacks make employees feel special and
highly valued. An engaged employee tends to be more
innovative, constructive , focused and performance
increases fourfold. Therefore, building employee

engagement is a win-win situation for both employees
and the organization as a whole.
Apart from team building initiatives, one of the
most desired focus areas of engagement is Knowledge
Sharing. It is the simplest method of acquiring
concentrated knowledge, somewhat like gulping a
knowledge capsule. A two hour knowledge sharing
session carried out internally is almost equivalent to
an external program of a longer duration and it also
saves on cost. Knowledge sharing sessions over
video conference has become a very popular practice
within the Power Business and has been very effective.
Outbound training programs conducted for senior
management have developed leadership skills and team
synergy.
Walk the Talk Bat karne

Se, Bat Banti hai will earn you
respect as a leader
T.S. Bhatt
What advice would you give to line managers to

enhance engagement levels within their teams?
My request to all line managers is to empower, monitor,
nurture and develop their subordinates so that they
are motivated to deliver world class performance .
Line manager need to understand the capabilities
of team members to leverage on them and provide
them adequate opportunities and support to learn
and grow. As a manager, it is important to encourage
open communication, drive employee engagement
and highlight the achievements of the team. Finally,
remember to Walk the Talk Bat karne Se, Bat Banti
hai which will earn you respect as a leader.
What is your advice to GenY at Essar Power?
The GenY team at Essar Power is very lucky as they are
the ones who are going to power the Nation. There will
be abundant growth opportunities in the power sector
for another 30 years and Essar Power will remain among
the top 5 Indian Power Producers. Many associates,
who joined Essar Power as a trainee, have a very
successful career here and have become senior leaders
in the organization. There will be similar opportunities
for associates with a commitment to learn, develop
themselves and add value to the self & organization.
I sometimes say, Everyone knows everything, but
there is a gap between knowing and doing, and only
positive action can bridge this gap.
Never be shy of asking questions and sharing your
concerns. Lageraho, do not wait for rewards, it will come
on its own. Last but not the least, we have a dynamic
leadership team across Power Business locations and I
am confident that all of us will ensure a great future for
our current GenY.
WERITE 13
POWER TALK
POWER TALK
POWER
TALK
Value for money is what the bottom line is. Being

a Coal-based plant gives us the cutting edge of
differential cost of operations to the refinery, when
monetarily calculated comes to 4.8Cr/per day.
By far we have zero leakage in terms of oil, steam
and water, which goes a step ahead to prove out
plants reliability.
Getting so far and achieving what we have today
couldnt have been possible without a motivated
and engaged workforce. VPCL has the highest
Employee Engagement score to its credit.
All these have definitely help us mark our footprints
in the Essar Group.
IN MY VIEW
KB Makadia
HEAD, Vadinar Power
Communication, Communication
and Communication is the Key.
Whether it is about performance
or business
K.B. MAKADIA
What do you believe are the defining

features of VPCL that has marked its
presence in the Essar Group?
For me, I refer to VPCL as the Game Changer.
This plant has time and again stood challenges
and successfully overcome them. Some of the
key defining characteristics of VPCL that I feel has
brought us so far are:
What are the latest trends and developments that are

likely to impact the power sector in the near future?
Power is essential for the development of any nation.
The current scenario of the Power industry is quite
vulnerable. The changes, I feel, likely to impact the
power sector are:
It is the first of its kind, in coal-based operation

that aides a Refinery. This in itself substantiates
to prove the competence of our plant.
Reliability and availability is what plays a crucial
role when it comes to Refinery operations that
requires uninterrupted power supply. And we
take pride in unceasing reliability and availability
of Power to the Refinery.
In times to come, the industry will face a change

in terms of distribution of power rather than its
generation.
Pit-Head based plant will come to rule the markets
and other plant located at ports or relying on other
modes of transport for coal feed may face stiff
completion in regards to price.
Gas base plant may find it tough to survive in
future owing to pricing policies. Ash disposal and
utilization seems to be another major concern that
may crop up.
As the industry will see a surge in competition,
Talent retention will be the key issue faced by
organizations.
What is according to you is the strategy to retain

talent in the organization?
As I mentioned earlier retaining talent is going to be one
of the biggest and most crucial challenges the power
industry might face. Keeping my personal experience in
mind, strategies that work successfully towards talent
retention are:
A clearly chalked out career path and growth

Trustworthy leadership at top management, in whom
the employees can vest faith
Communication, Communication & Communication
is the Key. Whether it is about performance or
business
Identifying future roles and giving the right and
appropriate kind of Training & Development will also
greatly contribute towards retention
Job Rotation will give the employee a fresh arena to
work as well as hone their skills. This will surely uplift
morale and keep employees engaged.
And lastly, the most important being, right job for
the right person. A lot of times, employees separate from
the organization due to higher aspirations or lack of job
enrichment.
Which works best Leadership or Mentoring, or a
blend of the two?
Leadership is a blend of various processes to develop
a person by providing opportunities and exposure at
various levels. The employees should be empowered to
have a decision making authority and further delegation,
if required. This is one of the important criteria to become
a successful leader.
People by nature are ready to learn, if taught in the
right way. Hence Mentoring is also a very important part
of Leadership.
Give people an opportunity to display

their own capabilities, give them a
chance to work independently on their
jobs, put your faith in them and try
to only guide and nurture them.
They will never let you down.
K.B. MAKADIA
Therefore, give people an opportunity to display

their own capabilities, give them a chance to work
independently on their jobs, put your faith in them and
try to only guide and nurture them. They will never let
you down.
Hence as far as my opinion is concerned, I believe
leadership and mentoring go hand in hand.
14 P
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WERITE 15
HR NEWS
HR NEWS
Essar Power bags
The Gold Award
for Technology Excellence in Hr
g
n
i
&
n
r
a
e
L
t
n
e
m
p
o
l
e
v
De
Award Name:
Greentech HR Gold Award for Technology
Excellence in HR
Award Category:
Technology Excellence in HR
Award Receivers:
Bhuvan Trikha, Hiral Shah and Varshish Shah
from Team HR
Award Conference Date:
27-28th June 2014 held at Marriot, Bengaluru
Award Presenter & Chief Guest:
Sh. Kamleshwar Sharan, President,
Greentech Foundation and
Sh. R.K Dubey, Chairman & Managing Director,
Canara Bank
ts an honour and great pleasure to announce

that Essar Power has bagged the Gold Award
for outstanding achievement in TECHNOLOGY
EXCELLENCE in HR conferred by the Greentech
Foundation, New Delhi.
Greentech Foundation Awards focus on the
importance of the entire HR profession and recognizes
excellence in HR Practices & Systems. The Foundation
takes a comprehensive look at the full spectrum of HR
throughout the world and present the awards to the
most outstanding achievers in these areas. It is aimed
to emphasize the responsibilities, duties and concern
to implement innovative HR Practices and Systems, to
contribute significant growth for the organization and to
benchmark with the best in the industry on national and
global level.
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Technology has been merged with all HR processes

like On-boarding, Goal Setting, Talent Management
and Succession Planning, Training and Development,
Reward and Recognition, Engagement, Communication,
Grievance Redressal, thereby improving their reach and
efficiency. At Essar Power, Human Resource Information
Systems (HRIS) have intensely altered how HR services
are delivered and managed by organizations. Effective
use of HR Technology has boosted HR functions
efficiency.
The collective efforts of Powers Leadership Team,
Peoples Committee and Committee for Technical
Training and Human Resources Team have been
instrumental in winning this Gold Award. This is the third
Gold Award that has been bagged by Essar Power in a
row, creating a Hat-trick!!
Essar Power
Learning Center
In the pursuit of
creating excellence
In quest of spreading the wings
earning and development is crucial to any

business. It is one of the important criterions
for success in todays competitive scenario.
Enhanced employee knowledge contributes in
creating and sustaining an organizations overall
performance.
WERITE 17
HR NEWS
HR NEWS
Enabling Innovation:
In the pursuit of creating excellence through training and
developing people continuously, Essar Power Learning
Centre has unfurled its wings to collectively explore
and share its rich expertise. As a result, lot of thrust is
now being given on INNOVATION and IMPROVEMENT
and the training module is designed based on training
needs across Power Business.
As a Leader of Innovation
Remote Operation of 2 X 600 MW
Training Simulators
Expanding the Circle of Knowledge

Training Programs through Video
Bridging:
Conceived about a year ago, now the facility has been
extensively in use. Training programs of three hours
sessions are being conducted twice a week across the
power business sites including Nepal and Indonesia.
Training Sessions through Video Bridge

As a leader in the power sector, Essar Power has
established its roots in the areas of operations and
maintenance of its establishments by adopting advanced and
sophisticated technology whilst simultaneously updating the skills
of its employees through niche training programs. Such initiatives
results in improving individual performance of employees and
enable Essar Power to meet its business goals.
Way Forward
RECOGNITION
TH
E ESSAR
TRE
EN
W ER L
R NIN G C
Shortly, we will reach to our next milestone, CEA recognition. The Essar Power Learning
Center has already applied for recognition of learning center by Central Electricity Authority
(CEA), Ministry of Power, Government of India, as per provisions of the Indian Electricity Rules.
OUR COMMITMENTS
Essar Power Learning Center is committed to work as a
Training Solution Provider (TSP) and to cater Learning
and Development needs for the entire Power Business
Group with the major focus on the fulfilment of the
functional training needs, as per the individual and
business needs.
The commitment and our journey towards
excellence have now amalgamated and expressed in
a better way through the Service Level Agreements
(SLA) with the various Business Units (BU).
Essar Power Learning Center have already
signed Service Level Agreements (SLA)
with the following ten companies of Power
Business Group:
1. Essar Power Gujarat Limited (EPGL)
2. Vadinar Power Company Limited
(VPCL)
18 P
WERITE
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Bhander Power Limited (BPOL)

Essar Power Limited (EPOL)
Essar Power Hazira Limited (EPHL)
Essar Power Madhya Pradesh Limited (EPMPL)
Essar Power (Jharkhand) Limited (EPJL)
Essar Power Orissa Limited (EP(o)L)
Essar Power Transmission Company Limited
(EPTCL)
10. Navabharat Power Private Limited (NPPL)
With these promises, the entire Training
Team has been toned up to become more skillful,
agile and responsible.
SLA being signed

with Makadia
Being a talent hub, the team has developed

an E-library having collection of more than
thousand books, collected many CBT modules
and video recorded training programs. Also,
the team is now geared up to exhibit better
governance.
Remote Operation of Simulators through existing network

Thermal Power plant simulator is an advanced hands-on
training tool, used mainly for plant operation staff training
in areas such as unit startup, shutdown, load operation,
emergency handling etc. In addition, a simulator can also
be used as a powerful tool to verify process design and
control strategies prior to startup of a plant as well as
investigation and testing of operational problems, which
are normally not permissible under real plant operating
conditions.
The simulator gives the feeling of operating a real power
plant without incurring any generation loss or damaging
any plant equipment. It raises the level of proficiency and
builds up the confidence required to handle emergencies
in actual plant operations. Hence, for training employees in
all aspects of plant operations, a simulator has become an
indispensable asset. Feedback indicates that the capability
to attend to various emergencies after simulator training is
extremely high.
PO
The approach of the Essar Power Learning Center always have been systematic and
process oriented. As a result, it is now an ISO 9001:2008 certified Training Institute. However,
it gives all of us immense pleasure to acknowledge that more than a mere certification, ISO
9001:2008 has crowned The Essar Power Learning Center with a major recognition. Now
with the edge of having standardized processes in place and a stride towards better delivery
mechanisms, Essar Power Learning Center aims to deliver quality services.
EA
Our training activities are now spread over the Power Business
Group covering all site locations of Power Generation, Transmission
and Distribution.
During the session, employees raise their queries

and obtain immediate solutions to them. Powers senior
leaders and associates have voiced their support and
appreciation of this initiative, which has been extremely
effective in enhancing technical knowledge and skills.
Training Team at ESSAR Power Learning Center
We are committed to innovative

growth, through our personal
passion, reinforced by a
professional mindset, creating
value for all those we touch
MISSION STATEMENT
With this mission in mind, EPLC is now looking

forward to be a Profit Center and a respected global
entrepreneur, through the power of positive action.
Training Team germinated the seed of Innovation in the

existing 2 X 600 MW Training Simulators located at
Salaya, Jamnagar, Gujarat by initiating its remote operation
from any location. This is really something to be proud of
as probably this is the first of its kind for any power utility
in India.
For Remote simulator training, two network connections
(i.e. Simulation network and Internet) are merged in five
operator stations so that five individual remote terminals
act as replica of the existing terminals at Salaya. And all
these were done using available desktops, bandwidth and
Ethernet connection; thereby with no investment incurring
recurring cost savings of Rs. 50 Lakhs/- per annum
(approx..) in form of cost of travelling, lodging & boarding
may be achieved.
At present, such remote training facility is available only for
Mahan and Tori. However, they may be extended to other
sites also.
WERITE 19
HR NEWS
HR NEWS
Bringing Everything Together

under One Roof
Strategy Execution Workshop 2013-2014
Strategy Execution By
Redefining Performance
well understood inspiring strategic plan directly

impacts company and its workforce. A business
strategy is important for the achievement of the
set objectives.. Business Strategy ensures alignment of
Business Goal and performance measures with strategy.
Highlights of the Portal
Speak Up
Speak up an initiative that aims at
giving employees an open platform to
communicate directly to the HR team
for addressing their concerns & getting
effective & clear solutions.
Power Ideas
Power Ideas is an initiative, encouraging
the culture of innovation and thinking
out of the box. It aims at encouraging
the concept of thinking differently,
unconventionally and from a new
perspective within the organization.
Take a Break
Take a break an initiative to balance out
the work life vis--vis fun element. This
section aims at giving a fun space to each
employee to enhance communication, to
build morale and social bonds that help
re-vitalize self through the tough times.
20 P
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n a constant endeavor to make Essar Power a better place to work,

the management has always made attempts to bring something new,
which help in increasing internal communication and in turn propagate a
transparent culture.
In order to empower the employees and to facilitate better communication,
Essar Power has introduced Power4U, a web-platform that would keep
everyone abreast with the current happenings across the business, a
platform to Speak Up on Issues and Concerns, an arena to Innovate, Learn
and Develop, an all-new rejuvenating Fun@Work Zone.
The portal was launched on the 21st January, 2013, which witnessed all
the Power Heads connected together. The Launch was headed by Mr. Anil
Matoo, Head Human Resources, explaining the importance of POWER4U as
a unique platform that brings all information under one roof.
Various other capacities of the portal were also shared with the
participants present at the launch. Some major highlights of the portal are:
Speak Up, Power Ideas, Take a Break. Other areas include: Power Industry
news, POint of View, Life at Essar.
The Power4U initiative received a very positive response from all the
Leaders and has also been running successful ever since its initiation.
In an endeavor to build and connect with our associates and also to
keep them abreast with the organization and the industry, this platform will
definitely serve the purpose. With the constant feedbacks received from
our associates and with continuous Innovation, Power4U will be revamped
periodically.
The senior leadership team across locations

including Nepal, Indonesia and Canada of the Power
Business Group comprising of Managing Directors,
CEOs and CFOss arrived at Hazira to participate in a
2-day Workshop on Strategy Execution & Redefining
Performance on 12th & 13th July, 2013. The workshop
also witnessed young and future brigade of the Power
Business Group, who were potential successors to
various Key Critical Positions (KCP). This was to enable
this brigade to witness the Strategy Formulation at
Business Level and also hone themselves accordingly.
The key objective of this workshop was the
formulation of the Balanced Score Cards (BSC) for all
verticals and having them cascaded to Level 1 leaders.
The focus was majorly on a broad strategy formulation
for the Power Business Group and also to work-out
the way forward to overcome challenges being faced
currently.
A business strategy is
important for the achievement
of the objectives set.
The session saw eminent speakers like Mr.

Anshuman Ruia, who emphasised the role of senior
leaders during challenging times. He said that the need
of the hour for the senior leaders is to motivate and
empower themselves for making necessary changes
and be accountable for their respective units. Mr. Ruia
stated that the leaders ought to move from managing
operations portfolio to that of an entrepreneur focusing
not only on generation, but also on Marketing and
WERITE 21
HR NEWS
Power Awards
GO THE EXTRA MILE
T
Business Development. They should prioritize major
tasks for plant operations and revenue generations.
Mr. KVB Reddy, Director, Power Business, spoke on
chalking out the way forward in terms of defining the
Vision, Mission and scorecard for the Power Business
Group. A healthy discussion on the same with the senior
leaders was followed by a Team Activity called Sneak
Peak, wherein all teams were required to note down
activities that they should

Start Doing
Continue Doing
Stop Doing
This drew a clear picture in terms of where we are,

where do we need to go and how will we get there.
The gathering was also addressed by Mr. Adil Malia,
Group President Human Resources, through Video
Bridge. Keeping the essence of the workshop in mind,
he shared his views on Strategy and how it will work out
when one re-validates their goals, tighten their knitting,
communicate and form support group emphasizing on
how tough time dont lasttough people do.
22 P
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Mr. Umesh Agrawal, Associate Director-Energy,

Utility and Mining, PWC was invited to throw some light
on Power Business performance in todays dynamic
market environment. He elaborated on way forward for
the Power industry in the coming few years and how we
should prepare ourselves for the same.
A special half day session was organised on Team
Motivation and criticality to handle dynamic team/s
during rough patches to retain key talent.
Additionally Mr. KVB Reddy reviewed all major tasks
with timelines and accountabilities. The day moved
forward with the presentations on HITS and MISSES,
along with the way forward and BSC of all the enablers
and drivers of Power Business Group..
he Power Awards program at Essar Power acknowledges and rewards employees

for outstanding contribution in their work areas and exemplary behavior displayed.
All regular Essar Power employees in the grades M-11 to M-07 located across
the Power Business Group are eligible for these rewards subject to meeting specific
criteria defined for each Reward category. Adil Malia, Group President HR, personally
congratulates the winners of the Power Shine and Power Excellence Awards and presents
them with a letter of appreciation.
The Power Excellence Award is given to individuals who display significant
achievement in their areas of responsibility in terms of process improvement or cost
savings. Financial savings of 25 lakhs is required to be nominated for this award.
The Power Shine Award rewards individuals or teams for outstanding contributions
in their work areas in terms of enhancing work efficiency, implementing innovative ideas
and successfully handling challenging assignments. Financial savings of 10 lakhs is
required to be nominated for this award.
The Power Spot Award is designed to recognize individuals on a spontaneous basis
for excellent efforts or services displayed as part of day to day responsibilities.
At the end of the session, the Leadership Team was

charged with enthusiasm and zeal to take up ownership
of new goals that were decided and focussed on
achieving them for the year.
Efforts of all associate especially our CEOs, Plant
Heads, Leadership Team, BSC Taskforce members
and Human Resources SPOCs of respective locations
were applauded in the successful implementation of the
Strategy Workshop.
WERITE 23
R &
POWER VITALISING EVENTS
ewards
ecognition
2013-2014
2013-2014
Ajay Sharma
Mahan
Vinod Tiwari
Hazira
Jolly Joseph
Salaya
Umesh Meghapara
Salaya
Neeraj Singh
Salaya
Amit Bhatnagar
Salaya
Manoj Sharma
Mahan
Bhavin Parmar
Vadinar
Vijay Chauhan
Vadinar
Samir Das
Mahan
Sujoy Lahiri Sheelesh Srivastava

Mahan
Mahan
R Arun
Mahan
Saurabh Mishra
Mahan
Jayanti
Kachhadiya
Vadinar
Rambhai Kandoria
Salaya
Suresh Kalaskar
Vadinar
P.S.Dinesh
Mahan
Haresh Joshi
Salaya
Dwipak Jena
Salaya
Gopinath S.
Salaya
Rajeev Tadaiya. Vinod K. Achuthan Chandan Singh Bhaskar Kumar

Salaya
Salaya
Salaya
Salaya
Alpesh
Kasundra
Vadinar
Ankan K. Patro
Salaya
Harish Solanki
Salaya
Tushar Parmar Ajay Kumar Jain Pradip Kumar Patel Bhavik Ganatra
Salaya
Salaya
Salaya
Salaya
2013-2014
Hiren Patel
Vadinar
Mitul Patel Bhupendra Thakkar Dinesh Shringi

Hazira
Hazira
Hazira
Rupesh Thakkar
Hazira
Manish Yadav
Hazira
Niraj Jinodra
Hazira
Dipak Soni
Vadinar
Rupak Patel
Vadinar
Vishnu Dhanuka
Hazira
Janak Pansuria Krishnakant Shah
Vadinar
Vadinar
Ashish Kshatriya
Hazira
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Venus Hajirakar
Hazira
Minesh Patel
Hazira
Nitesh Mathur
Hazira
Arvind Mittal
Hazira
Hitesh Patel
Vadinar
Jagdish Kavar Amit Kansagara

Vadinar
Vadinar
Girish Patel
Vadinar
Dinesh Prajapati
Vadinar
Congratulations
Nand Kumar
Warrier
Hazira
P WERITE 25

Townhall @ Hazira
Aagman @ VPCl
Aagman @ EPGL
Aagman @ Jamnagar
Aagman
Integrating You Into The
Townhall
Opening The Doors

Of Communication
Essar Way Of Life
Aagman @ VPCl
Townhall @ EPOrL
Townhall @ Tori
he Townhall, an old practice within the Power

Business Group is an excellent forum for
two way communication between Powers
senior management and employees. The objective
of Townhall meetings is to enable senior leadership
to keep employees informed, engaged and in sync
with business goals while resolving their concerns
and grievances.
Aagman @ EPOl Mumbai
Aagman @ EPGL
ew employees set foot into an organization with

their own hopes and expectations. At Essar
Power, the Induction program Aagman and
induction process attempts to bridge this gap by helping
new associates integrate better into the organization. All
new associates joining Essar Power at different locations
go through the two day comprehensive Induction
program Aagman designed to give participants an
overview of Essars Businesses, the
Power Business Group and Power
sector, Essar Capabilities, HR
Communication
portals
and employee initiatives.
Participants
attending
Aagman which is held
on a quarterly basis are given
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WERITE
Aagman @ EPOl Mumbai

a warm welcome with a bouquet of flowers on their
arrival at the venue of the program and are presented
with an Induction Kit. Icebreaker games are organized
to encourage these associates to interact more closely
with their colleagues across functions, levels and
locations. In addition to interactive sessions with senior
leaders of Essar Power and Essar Group, a host of other
activities are packed into this program to facilitate a
better understanding of the business,
company culture and practices. A visit
to the plant, company township
and an informal dinner with
senior leadership is also
arranged to help these new
entrants adapt better to the
organization culture.
At Townhalls held across Power Business

locations, the management team briefs employees
about business performance, new developments and
future plans. Employees are also given an update on
people initiatives and HR highlights for the month.
During the Question and Answer session, an important
part of every Townhall, employees are encouraged
to ask questions, share their views and suggestions,
which are then addressed by the senior management
team. There is a special Power Awards ceremony held
Townhall @ Hazira
at every Townhall where the Plant Head acknowledges
Townhall @ Jamnagar
each of the Power Award winners individually leaving
them feeling valued and motivated to work towards
greater achievements.
What makes Essar Powers Townhalls more effective
is the focus on providing all employees with an action
tracker outlining issues discussed at the previous
Townhall along with a systematic action plan for resolution
of these issues. This participative approach highlights
Essar Powers focus on transparency and accountability.
The Townhall ends with a sumptuous dinner, which
encourages informal interaction between management
and our associates.
Townhall @ EPMPL
Townhall @ Hazira
WERITE 27
Mentor Mentee Meet

Nurturing young talent from job skills to life skills
he Mentoring program at Essar Power has gained

momentum playing a key role in the professional and
personal development of young graduate engineer trainees
across locations of the Power Business Group. Mentor Mentee
Meets (MMM) are held periodically at all locations to encourage
mentor mentee interaction.
MMMs begin with a ceremony in which the mentors along
with their family members light the candles of their respective
mentees symbolizing transfer of knowledge, expertise and
experience to their mentees. At these meetings mentors and
mentees share their experiences and expectations from the
mentoring relationship, participate in fun activities organized to
help them get better acquainted with each
other and obtain inputs on effective mentoring
from business leaders or external faculty.
Mentors and mentees are also encouraged
to make the time to have frequent one to one
interactions with each other outside of work.
Essar Powers mentoring program has
helped the young trainees adapt better to the
Company culture, boost their morale, enhance
engagement levels, increase commitment and
accelerate leadership development.
Knowledge
Circle
Share, Learn & Grow
Knowledge Circle
@ EPOL Hazira
Knowledge Circle @ EPOrL
Knowledge Circle @
EPOL Mumbai
Knowledge Circle
@ EPGL
Knowledge Circle @ EPJL
Knowledge Circle
@ EPJL
above pictures are from

MMM @ Jamnagar
28 P
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haring knowledge occurs

when people are genuinely
interested in helping one
another develop new capacities for
action; it is about creating learning
processes. To facilitate this learning
process the Knowledge Circle
initiative was introduced at Essar
Power. This has encouraged sharing
of knowledge, skills and expertise
within the peer group. The Knowledge
Circle acts like a library utilizing
the collective expertise of Power
employees. A diverse range of topics
in functional and behavioural areas are
presented every month across Power
Business locations. This collaborative
knowledge sharing process is aimed
at creating a learning environment
and enhancing productivity.
WERITE 29

Bol Bindas @ EPOL Hazira
GENEXPRESS
Bol Bindaas @ EPGL
Connecting With Power Youth
GenExpress @
Mumbai
ol Bindaas @ Workplace is a popular and successful practice held across

Power Business locations. These monthly meetings are held at departmental
level with lo cation HR representatives to discuss employee views, concerns
and suggestions. Feedback received from employees is then reviewed and an
action tracker circulated to all associates addressing their thoughts and concerns.
Employee issues are escalated to higher levels if necessary while maintaining
confidentiality of the individual concerned. This initiative has been effective in
quickly resolving routine problems faced by employees and fostering a culture of
trust, transparency and open communication. It is one more step in the direction
of positively engaging employees and building a better workplace.
GenExpress @ Mumbai
GenExpress @ Jamnagar
GenExpress @ Jamnagar
Bol Bindaas @ Paradeep

GenExpress @ Tori
Bol Bindass @ EP
OrL
S
S
DA
BIN
Where Every Voice Counts

30 P
WERITE
GenExpress
@ Mumbai
n the last year, Essar Power has welcomed over 350

young professionals, who have joined from NPTI and
other premier institutes. The comprehensive Power
Proficiency Program (PPP) has provided them with a
strong foundation preparing them for a bright career
with Essar Power. These young associates posted
across locations of the Power Business Group come
in with fresh ideas and perspectives offering a unique
blend of talent, energy, spontaneity and drive. Essar
Power has been focused on grooming these budding
professionals and giving them adequate opportunities
to learn and grow.
GeNexpress a new initiative to encourage these
young associates to voice their thoughts, concerns and
suggestions was launched across locations of the Power

Business Group in December, 2010. At the monthly
GeNexpress meetings the location HR teams spend
time to understand the needs, expectations and issues
faced by the young trainees, which are then addressed
through suitable interventions. The GeNexpress team
also receives inputs in technical and behavioural
areas through interactive sessions conducted by
senior leaders, external faculty and volunteers from
the GeNexpress group itself. A host of activities are in
store for GeNexpress teams across locations in future
with a view to connect with and engage the younger
generation of Essar Power.
P WERITE 31
Coffee
with CEO/Head
Brewing Sustainable
Relationships
Sanidhya
Sanidhya @ EPGL
Coffee Meet @ EPJL
Coffee Meet @ EPGL
ugmenting the paths of connectivity and bonding, between our

young associates and the senior leadership team of the organization,
giving them a chance to meet and interact with each other gives the
young associates a confident feeling. The interaction, over a cup
of coffee, helps the young associates to build connectivity with
the leaders of the organization and take learning from their vast
experience. During the interaction, the associates put up all their
ideas suggestions and concerns if any and share their views. In
return, the leaders listen and nurture their thoughts out of their experience.
Coffee Meet @ EPGL

Coffee Meet @ EPOL Hazira
Coffee Meet @ EPMPL

Coffee Meet
@ VPCL
Coffee Meet @ VPCL
he opportunity to have a personal interaction with our dynamic

Heads is one, which many employees would wish for. Coffee
with CEO/Head is held monthly across Power Business locations
and has been effective in building an environment of empowerment
and trust. The associates chosen for the meeting are informed well in
advance about the scheduled meeting so that they can come prepared
with queries or concerns to be discussed. At the end of the meeting, the
CEO/Head signs over the coffee mug and presents it to the associate as
a memento. Junior associates who do not normally get an opportunity
to interact with the CEO/Head as part of their regular job responsibilities
have benefitted from this platform to share their views, suggestions and
concerns directly with the CEO/Head. While these meetings also help
associates build a rapport with senior leadership while drawing from
their expertise Powers senior leaders have found these sessions useful
in helping them obtain fresh ideas and inputs from young associates.
Sanidhya @ EPGL
Sanidhya @ EPOL Hazira
Sanidhya @ VPCL 2014

Sanidhya @ EPOL Hazira
32 P
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WERITE 33
Fiesta Lunch @ VPCL

Fiesta @ EPGL
Fiesta @ EPGL
Sparsh
Dialogue with Senior Leader
Sparsh @ EPGL
F
L
Fiesta Lunch @ VPCL
IEST
UNC
parsh represents the personal touch which

is important for senior management to
connect with employees. To facilitate this
process, Sparsh meets are organized on a monthly
basis across locations of the Power Business Group
to encourage direct and open communication
between senior leaders and employees in an informal
environment. Sparsh takes the form of a freewheeling
conversation and discussion over lunch or dinner and
involves associates who do not otherwise have direct
exposure to senior leaders such as the Plant Head,
CEO and CFO. While associates are able to learn
more about the company first-hand from the decision
makers, our leaders benefit from the fresh ideas and
inputs provided by our associates.
Sparsh @ EPJL
nhancement
of
twoway
communication
between field engineers
and department head cements
the bond of knowing each
other requirements and needs
in terms of organizational goal.
Fiesta lunch provides a podium
to engineers of cross functional
departments to connect with
any of the department head and
share the concerns pertaining to
the workplace in freewheeling
environment.
The
objective
is to develop smooth and
close bonding as a team that
eventually helps in facilitating
the work effectively. Engineers
freely share their experiences,
knowledge and suggestions for
improvement and development.
This is organized once a month
over sumptuous lunch.
Sparsh @ EPOL Hazira
34 P
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WERITE 35

Coming together is a beginning.
Keeping together is progress.
Working together is success.Henry Ford
Fun@Work F
Take a Power Break!
Birthday Bash
Time Out with Team

W
ith the intention of setting a

platform for Team Bonding
and interaction, Team HR
organizes Time out with Team at
regular intervals. The greater the level of
familiarity within members of a team, the
greater the ability of the individuals to be
able to work together to accomplish the
mission of the organization. With busy
work schedules and projects, lunch time
is a critical hour when employees can
come together as teams and cultivate
a common purpose. This is a good
opportunity for the Department Head
to strengthen relationships with his/
her colleagues and build a cohesive
team. This also provides the team with
a platform to share their ideas and build
stronger bonds within the team. They
also enjoy some lighter moments with
their team members.
@ EPOL Hazir
Birthday Bash @ EPMPL
Birthday Bash @ VP
CL
Birthday Bash @
un is an essential element at work fostering

enthusiasm, involvement and interaction among
employees. An exciting work environment
reduces stress, facilitates change and boosts morale,
which in turn has a positive impact on employee
performance.
At each of the Power Business locations a
dedicated Fun@Work Committee comprising of a
cross-functional team across levels work hard to
initiate exciting and innovative activities to make Essar
Power a more enjoyable place to work. The members
meet once a month to plan a variety of activities
related to celebrations, sports events, picnics, movie
sessions, festivals, family get-togethers, among many
others to encourage employee and family bonding,
build a sense of team spirit while making the workplace
more vibrant. Fun@Work Committees are also involved
in implementing suggestions and resolving issues
in administration related areas. Employees are also
invited to give their inputs or join this Committee. An
action tracker is maintained at all Power Business
locations to ensure the implementation of suggestions
received. This section gives you a glimpse of some of
the experiences of our employees outside work.
EPGL
Cricket Tournament @ VPCL
Birthday Blas
Sports
Birthday Bash @
Mumbai
Time Out with Team @ EPOL Mumbai

Time Out with Team @ EPOL Mumbai
36 P
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P WERITE 37
Family V
is
it
FAMILY FUN-DAY in Essar Power
ogetherness in structure of family, society and organization leads to happiness. Essar

Group of companies strongly believes in this fundamental and has always upheld the values
and tradition of the society in its functional domain. The enhancement of bonding with its
employees has been an integral aspect for the company, where every Essarite is considered the
part of extended family. To keep this spirit alive, the idea of Family Fun-Day was mooted and
celebrated across the Essar Power Business.
Family Movie Day @ EPGL
Family Movie Day

Famil
PGL
y@E
ie Da
y Mov
Family Movie Day @ EPGL
This was aimed to enable employees to take a break from hectic working lives and to spend
some quality time with their family members at place of work. The visit of the spouse/partner to
the work location helped them to understand the pressure and burden that an employee undergo.
Essar Power Business across locations organised the Family Fun-Day exemplifying the humane
aspect of its operation. Beyond the visit at plant site, some entertainment in the form of games,
dance and sharing of experience amongst members added a new chapter in companys history for
employees spouses and kids.
We bring you the celebration of Essar Power families in various parts of the country that has
remained locked in the sweet memory of all.
Family Visit @ EPOL Hazira
eam - HR at Essar Power, arranged

Employees Spouse and Kids Visit to plant
on 23rd November 2013 at Hazira. The
initiative resulted into creation of strong bonding
among family and children and made them aware
about work place.
Making their visit more joyful and less tiresome,
magic show, ramp walk and various games for
kids were organized, which was highly enjoyed
by them. For spouse, Tambola and various fun
activities were organized by Vodafone Team. The
winners were awarded with Vodafone goodies. At
the end of the day, team-HR presented individual
family photo with frame taken at the plant as
mementos. All the participants were brimming
with pride to be a part of companys gesture.
Festivals
Viswakarma Pooja@ EPOL Hazira
a
Viswakarm
HAZIRA
POrL
E
Pooja @
MPL
ojan @ EP
Ganesh Po
VPCL -Family Plant Visit
New Year Celebration at EPJL
eam-HR Organized a Family

Plant Visit at VPCL. The
objective of this visit was
building Family Connect among
the power families at Jamnagar.
There have always been questions
haunting little innocent mind of kids
as where their father go in the morning and what they
do? This meet tried to quench the little minds in a very
simple, joyful and playful manner.
Making the visit more exciting and joyful, puppet
show, kids drawing competition, cartoons movies and
various games were organized much to the enjoyment
of all.
38 P
WERITE
New Year Cel
eb
g
ration at Viza
Family Day VPCL
Family
FamilyDay
DayVPCL
VPCL
P WERITE 39
it
is
Family V
Family Day
Family Day at EPOl Mumbai
mbai
at EPOl Mu
Family Day at EPOl
it
is
Family V
Mumbai
EPGL Rocz
t @ EPGL
Family Even
MUMBAI
he true meaning of family means that everyone

celebrates together. Believing in the same, Essar
Power Family in Mumbai decided to celebrate
Childrens day with the family members of associates.
Team HR invited the children of the employees along
with their parents to visit the Mumbai Kurla office on
16th November.
Everyone received a warm welcome by Winnie The
Pooh with a rose and chocolates.
the organization. Everyone was excited about it and felt

proud to be associated with the Essar Group. This was
followed by much fun filled activities including tatoo
making, magic show, dance with Winnie The Pooh etc.
Both the children and the parents enjoyed a lot.
The children were presented with a personalized
family photo as a souvenir. The event ended leaving
smiles, enthusiasm and positivity everywhere.
The event was initiated by playing the Essar Corporate

Video to give the children a better understanding about
EPGL Rocz
EPGL
@
t
n
Family Eve
JAMNAGAR EPGL Rockz
n our continuous endeavor to
reach out to our associates and
their families through various HR
engagement initiatives, the Fun@
work committee EPGL organized its
first ever Annual Art & Cultural Fest
EPGL Rokz . The Performers for
the event were our own associates
and their family members. It was a
fun time together with our extended
family witnessing the spectacular
and thrilling performances.
Family Day VPCL
EPGL Rocz
EPGL
@
t
n
Family Eve
TORI
o strike work-life balance and make Essar Power, (Jharkhand) a Great Place to
Work, Fun @ work Committee Tori Facility organized a Family Fun Day on 14th
December 2013. The organizing committee had made elaborate arrangement for food
and enjoyment. Families were taken to respective work stations of the associates followed
by site visit of the power plant. Fun games like couple musical chair, paper-dance and
some interesting games for kids were conducted that provided everyone the opportunity
to showcase their talent. The winners of the games were given away prizes and gifts by the
Managing Director, Dr. B. H. Ravindra. A well framed group photograph and Essar Coffee
Mug was presented to each couple as a memorabilia. Kids were gifted with a set of drawing
book, sketch pens and geometry box. The Family Fun Day brought all employees together
on a common platform and provided them with an opportunity to know each other. It also
fostered cross-functional collaboration amongst teams. Fun @ work team Tori Facility was
appreciated by all for its elaborate planning and meticulous execution.
40 P
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Family Day @ EPJL
WERITE 41
EVENTS
EVENTS
My India, My Pride!
Essar Power celebrates Republic Day
anuary 26th, 1950 is a watershed in the History of

India. This was the day on which the constitution
of India came into force and India became a
true Sovereign Socialist Democratic Republic. This
day commonly celebrated as Republic Day saw the
culmination of the Indian struggle for independence
marking the end of centuries of British rule.
Republic Day was celebrated across
Power Business locations with much
enthusiasm and fanfare. The patriotic
fervor of these associates spread over
different states, represented variety
in terms of ethnicity, caste, color and
creed and reflected the true spirit of
Unity in Diversity.
Republic Day @ EPGL
Republic Day @ EPGL
Republic Day @ EPOrL
WERITE
Diwali Celebration @ EPOL Hazira
elebrations of Navratri, all across India, are characterized by the

worship of Goddess Shakti. The Navratri festival is considered
to be the biggest festival of the year in Gujarat with fun-filled
dance performances. In Gujarat, women perform the popular dance
Garba Raas. The idols of Goddess Durga are worshipped and on the
tenth day they are immersed in water to bid Her farewell.
This auspicious festival of vibrant colours and dance was also
celebrated across locations of the Power Business Group. A special
Navratri lunch, theme based decorations, traditional attire and of
course the popular Dandiya Raas enabled employees
to enjoy this festival at work with colleagues. Traditional
turbans and Dandiyas lit up the atmosphere and brought
out the best in our associates dancing to the traditional tunes
of the Garba. At Mumbai, a Navratri King and Queen contest
was held with winners selected by popular vote.
Diwali celebrates the victory of good over evil and light
over darkness. It has a major religious significance for
Hindus, Sikhs and Jains alike, not only in India, but also for
Indians living abroad.
Republic Day @ EPMPL
42 P
Dance & Dandiya, Lights & Lanterns

this festive season at Essar
This festival of light was celebrated in Mumbai in

the traditional way. There were Diyas and Lanterns that
lit the entire office, along with Rangoli made by the
e m p l o y e e s , added flavor to the festivity. All employees
showed their enthusiasm by dressing up in
the traditional Indian attire.
Navratri Celebration @ EPOL Mumbai
Navratri Celebration @ EPMPL
WERITE 43
EVENTS
EVENTS
Celebrating
Christmas
W man
The Season of RED
POWER
XMas Celebration
@ EPOrL Vizag
XMas Celebration
@ EPOrL Vizag
XMas Celebration @ EPOL Mumbai
@
Womens Day
Womens Day @ EPJL
Jamnagar
Womens Day
@ Jamnagar
Womens Day @ Mumbai
he 102nd International womens day was

celebrated with full spirit at Essar Power
on 8th March 2013. The day was full of
surprises for our women colleagues. Starting with
a morning welcome with beautiful bouquet along
with a card from respective HODs, which captured
their appreciation towards the efforts and support
that their team had got from women power.
XMas Celebration
@ EPOL Mumbai
XMas Celebration
@ EPOL Mumbai
ome Christmas time and we are reminded about

the joy of celebration. This year Christmas was
celebrated with full zest and enthusiasm where
Essar Power employees of Mumbai Location decided to
dress up in the color of the season, RED.
The office was decorated with bells and streamers
and confetti was spread around.
Keeping the spirit of the season alive, a small
Christmas tree was lit up with lights and decorations,
which made everyone, get in to the mood of Christmas.
44 P
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Various locations of Power Business i.e.

Mahan, Tori, Hazira, Mumbai, Nepal, Bhubaneswar
and Jamnagar celebrated this day with great vigour.
While at some locations, a full day workshops were
organized on Women Health vis--vis Industrial
Environment, 7 Habits of Highly Effective women,
Women Power etc.; others recognized them in
their own special ways like cake cutting and
speeches about the importance of women in our
organization as well as society and how they have
made a difference.
Womens Day @ EPMPL
All locations had organized for a special lunch

for the women team. The day ended with a gift
waiting at our female colleagues residence, which
had a handbag as well as a letter of appreciation
signed by the HR Head, Mr Anil Matoo, which
made everyone feel truly special.
Womens Day @ EPOl Hazira
WERITE 45
KNOW YOUR COLLEAGUE
EVENTS
Meet
S
P
L
E
N
D
I
D
Saurav Srivastav
Commercial Team Power Business
have completed Electronics and Communication

Engineering from G.B. Pant University of Agriculture
and Technology in 2000. After working for seven
years at NTPC till 2007, I decided to pursue two years
full time MBA. Having completed the same in Finance
and International Business from Freeman School of
Business, Tulane University in USA, I re-joined NTPC in
2009 at its International Consultancy Wing at Noida.
Holi Celebration @ EPMPL
S
P
L
A
S
H
I joined Essar Power in December 2010 with the

International Business Development department. For
a professional, who had worked almost nine years in a
leading PSU, shifting to a private sector company was
a significant decision full of challenges and at the same
time offered endless opportunities to learn, perform
and excel. To shift from Delhi to Mumbai was another
challenge considering the fast life of Mumbai, higher
cost of living and considerable commute required to
work.
Holi Celebration @ EPOrL
Holi Celebration @ EPMPL

Holi Clebration @ EPJL
Holi Celebration
@ EPMPL
of Colours at Holi
Holi Celebration @
EPOL Mumbai
oli is all about having fun, playing with colours and celebrating, all
with the permission of the God. Holi heralds the end of winter and
the beginning of spring, highlighting the victory of goodness over
evil. It is a joyous celebration of the rejuvenation of nature, and renewed
hope of happiness and peaceful coexistence. People throw coloured water
and powders (gulal and kumkum) at each other, while singing and dancing,
adding to the gaiety of the occasion.
Celebrating any festival can be considered as the best Fusion of
culture, talent and fun. The Power Business across locations of Hazira,
Mahan and Jharkhand saw its profound Fusion when associates across
departments and levels came together to celebrate the festival of Holi,
splashing colours on each other. This enjoyable event had employees in
high spirits with popular music resonating while they danced the evening
away. A show like no other, the event had some interesting features like
classical and folk music along with some mouthwatering traditional food.
The site locations were all bustling with activity from start to finish at this
memorable event.
46 P
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During the initial days, I worked on market research,

analysis, due diligence, strategic alliances for setting up
and acquiring power projects in West Africa especially
Nigeria. Thereafter, I had the esteemed opportunity to
shift to the Commercial Team. Shifting from international
to domestic profile was the right decision because it
made my profile more complete. In Commercial, I got
an opportunity to work on tariff revision, change in law,
billing, bidding, power sales and regulatory issues for
Essar Power Gujarat Limited. The kind of
exposure I got in the Commercial team
is highly enriching and truly unparalleled.
Indian Power sector is passing
through a difficult phase. There are couple
of challenges that need to be addressed.
While existing power projects particularly
those with imported coal are facing the
problem of tariff mismatch, domestic
coal based power projects are facing fuel
shortage because coal companies are
unable to mine sufficient coal. On the tariff
side, while certain political pressure groups
are demanding reduction in tariff, power
producers are demanding an increase in
variable tariff on account of increase in
coal cost and demanding an increase in fixed tariff on
account of rupee depreciation, increase in interest rate
and increase in capital cost. Gas based power projects,
on other hand, are almost shut down because gas price
has exponentially risen and procurers are not willing
to despatch power from gas based power stations.
Investors are wary of investing in upcoming power
My success mantra is to be
sincere and true to your job to the
best of your capabilities
projects because of regulatory paradox and reforms

that are yet to be carried out to guarantee an adequate
return on investment. On the distribution side, losses are
to be minimized. On the supply side, India is still a power
deficit country even after six decades of independence.
I recall that the most memorable moment with
Essar was the time when I had the opportunity to meet
with Governor of one of the coal rich states in Nigeria
on one to one basis. I gave a presentation on Essars
capabilities and almost instantly the consent was
given to sign off the MOU for setting up a power
project in Nigeria. This was a highly learning and
memorable experience.
My success mantra is to be sincere and true
to your job to the best of your capabilities. Never
say no to any work. All work should be done
keeping expectations of stakeholders in mind
and it should reflect the highest quality.
My wife Sunanda is a home maker. She is
an excellent painting artist. She enjoys to cook
and shop. We have two children the elder son
Ashutosh is studying in Class 2 and younger
son Ashwini is studying in Class 1.
For my hobbies I like to jog, meditate and
play cricket and football. Soccer is my favourite
game.
My message to all budding Essarites is that Essar
has a global presence in almost all verticals of the
business. Essar is a great company to work for. I admire
the work culture and work life balance at Essar. You
have a bright future if you contribute tangibly to your
workplace.
WERITE 47
KNOW YOUR COLLEAGUE
It (Essar) gives you the

feeling of team-work: result
oriented and has cost
conscious leadership. These
tenets always inspired me to
be associated with Essar.
Frame 9E Gas Turbines and relocated Deltek and IHI

make HRSGs at Bhander Power Limited, Hazira. Some of
the major accomplishments included in-house engineering/
design of elbow duct of IAFS of relocated Gas Turbine and
Radiator Cooler Systems of BHEL supplied Gas Turbines,
successful erection and commissioning of 500 MW CCPP
ahead of schedule.
Meet
ArunHeadKumar
Maintenance EPMP
W
ith nearly 15 years of experience in Essar Group, the major chunk of my career
has been spent here in varied roles. I started my journey with Essar Oil Limited,
Jamnagar as Senior Officer-Mechanical for 77 MW Captive Power Plant (CPP).
I worked for Essar Steel Limited, Hazira for more than a year as a Shi ft In-charge for
32 MW Combined Cycle Power Plant (CCPP) before taking over the charge as Head
Mechanical at Bhander Power Limited, Hazira having the capacity of 500 MW CCPP.
It was an enriching journey of nearly five years and soon I took over the role of Head
PMC (Mechanical) at Vadinar Power Company Limited (VPCL) of phase I & phase
IIA. At VPCL I worked for around 22 months.
Date of Birth
16/08/1969
Sun Sign
Virgo
Primary Work Location
Essar Power MP Ltd
Date of Joining Essar
30-Oct-1998
Designation at the
time of joining
Sr. Officer
Current Designation
G.M.
48 P
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In the process of discharging different role and responsibilities of the

company in various capacity, I became the part of International Business
Development (IBD), Mumbai, for identifying and developing business
opportunities in the power sector at Nigeria. This was a significant
assignment for the period of four months after which I was moved to
Essar Power (Jharkhand) Limited as Head-PMC. The stint here was
hardly for five months before I shifted in the role of Head-PMC for
1200 MW Mahan Thermal Power Project in 2011. Im presently
heading the PMC function of 1200 MW Mahan Thermal Power
Project as well as Head-Maintenance.
Ive always strived to give my best to my organization.
This company has been a home for me. Successful
erection and commissioning of Duel Fuel Conversion
of 32 MW CCPP at Essar Steel Limited, Hazira was a
feat for me as well as for the company.
The most significant achievement comprise
of resolving many design related issues and
material issues of relocated Hitachi Make
Favorite Character from World History

Mahatma Gandhi
Favorite Actor/ Actress
Amitabh Bacchan
Favorite Sport
Cricket, Football
Favorite Cuisine
North Indian Foods (Paratha stuffed with Sattu)
Favorite Holiday Destination
My native Village
Favorite Pastime/Hobby
Watching News, Cricket/football matches
At Essar Power MP Ltd., major achievements comprised of

streamlining planning functions, organizing the available resources,
accelerating erection/construction activities effectively and efficiently,
identifying bottlenecks and their timely resolutions during the project
execution as a team. Successful erection and commissioning of one unit
of 2 x 600 MW Mahan Thermal Power Project is a classic example of the
team endeavour. Presently, the most challenging task in front of us is to
bring this plant from project phase to O & M phase.
Prior to Essar, I was associated with Hindustan Paper Corporation Limited
(HPCL), a Government of India Enterprise. I had apprehension whether I would
be accommodated in Private Sector Company after quitting the Public Sector. This
sort of apprehension gets dissolved because of supportive and nurturing culture at
Essar.
I strongly believe and want to give a message to all Essarites that this company
provides freedom and excellent platform to work. It gives you the feeling of team-work:
result oriented and has cost conscious leadership. These tenets always inspired me to be
associated with Essar.
After completing my B.Sc (Mechanical Engg), I am now having a professional career of
nearly 20 years. As far as senior management is concerned, they always believed in team building,
coaching/mentoring and grooming the subordinates for the development of the individuals as
well as the organization. Higher responsibilities are delegated to the young engineers to fulfill the
requirements of the management and they are now prepared to take all kinds of challenges. In my
opinion, most of them have become assets for Essar.
Human Resource (HR) initiatives always played a vital role in order to enhance the employee
engagement, talent retention and effective career/succession planning, which I have not witnessed
earlier. I am thankful to the management that provided me lot of opportunities to groom myself in the field
of project execution as well as O & M.
Im able to perform and grow because of my supportive family. My wife Mamta has been a great support
in all my endeavours. My eldest son Ankit is pursuing B.Tech (Mechanical Engineering) and my twins Aayush
and daughter Aastha are in Class X.
I watch movies during my leisure. Some of them like Sholay, Mera Naam Joker etc are my favourites. Im a big
fan of Amitabh Bachchan and like to watch his movies. Im a peace loving person and admire Mahatma Gandhi as
my favorite character from World History. Im fond of north Indian food like paratha stuffed with sattu and still love
to enjoy my holidays at my native village.
WERITE 49
BUSINESS BUZZ
A Journey towards Success

Essar Power Gujarat Limited
ssar Power Gujarat Ltd (EPGL) - 2 x 600 MW coal based

power plant is located near Salaya at the West coast of
India. It has commissioned its two units of 600 MW each
during the year 2012. For any thermal based power plant, coal,
water and power evacuation facilities are prime requirements.
Due to delay in required regulatory clearances, EPGL could not
set up coal and water facility in time.
This story tells how EPGL has successfully stabilised
operation of both the units of 600MW each. Despite unique
challenges that no such big size thermal power plant ever
faced, successful initiatives at EPGL helped to generate 1200
MW power without main source of infrastructure for coal and
water in place.
50 P
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BUSINESS BUZZ
Water Availability
business
buzz
In the absence of sea water, Narmada River water was

the only source of water for EPGL. On one hand both
the units were ready to generate 1200 MW power, while
on the other due to rain deficit in the region, Narmada
water was diverted to priority sectors. Consequently,
EPGL received less and irregular supply of water
for the operation of the power plants. The company
was compelled to shut down units several times due
to water unavailability during June and July. Consistent
supply of water was of utmost important for the plant,
as frequent shutdown of units resulted in loss of revenue
for the company. Approximately, 70 MLD (million litres
per day) Narmada water is required to run two units of
EPGL at full capacity of 1200 MW load, against which on
an average only 10 MLD Narmada water were received
during the month of June and July, 2012.
Some of these initiatives are use of Desal water for

CT make up, setting up task force to improve Narmada
water reception, provision for using VPCL blowdown
as feed to Desal plant, increase COC of existing EOL
and EPGL cooling towers, blending excess sea water
with available Narmada water for CT make up, using
blowdown water for horticulture and coal handling etc.
One of the best and innovative initiatives was EOLs
existing sea water supply and return line swapping.
Before line swapping, Essar Oils (EOL) sea water
supply line capacity was only 6400 m3/hr. The line size
of sea water supply line is 44 and return line is 52.
As per earlier surge analysis report supply line of 44 is
Sea water Line swapping inside refinery
In such severe water crisis, EPGL along with EOL

team studied the complete water balance of Vadinar
complex with an aim to optimize available water
resource. The team worked out few immediate, short
term and medium term measures to increase the water
availability.
P WERITE 51
BUSINESS BUZZ
limiting the flow to 6400 m3/hr. Hence, it was decided to
swap supply and return line. With the implementation of
this scheme, fresh sea water flow increased to 8350 m3/
hr from the level of 6400 m3/hr.
Considering the risk and challenges in
implementation of the scheme it would not be completed
without great risk appetite of EOL and Power Business
top management. This project was a great learning
experience, sense of satisfaction and achievement for
all involved in the execution.
BUSINESS BUZZ
Concerted efforts on the part of both the Refinery
and GWIL, not a single shutdown of EPGL unit took place
since end of July12 on account of water unavailability.
In a single line message, we can say thathigh level of
perseverance, focus on goal and synergy among team
members (worth to mention that synergy between Essar
Oil and Essar Power) made an apparent impossible
task prior to July-2012, possible in the span of just five
months.
COAL Availability
EPGL and VPCL were ready to generate power but
the marine facilities were non-operational. Hence the
immediate concern was to ensure sufficient coal supply
for operating these units.
As a measure of alternate arrangement for coal
supply, various port facilities like Okha, Bedi, Porbandar,
Navlakhi etc. in the vicinity of power plant were explored.
Subsequently, Bedi port near Jamnagar, which is around
65 KM from our plant, was finalized. Bedi Port is an allweather, tidal lighter-age facility located on the southern
coast of the Gulf of Kutch. Coal is unloaded from ships
into barges and brought to jetty, following which it has
to be transported to coal stock yard by road.
As EPGL and VPCL operations were stabilized,
major challenge was not unloading and handling of coal
at port, but transportation of around 18000 plus MT/day
in order to feed the plant. This enormous task involves
average 1000 trips of trucks per day on a stretch of 130
Kms journey that seemed a distant dream.
We all know that strength of the chain is
equivalent to its weakest link. for the aforesaid coal
management chain, organizing floating crane, barges,

loading of trucks, traffic management, managing weigh
bridges, unloading of trucks are various links that are
of major concern. Any issue in the link can halt the
complete coal management operation. Meticulous
planning and execution becomes all the more important
and demanding, as any slippage can have direct impact
on plant production.
Coal team manages movement of approximately
1000 trucks per day on public highway, without affecting
normal traffic. We started with 2000 MT dispatch per
day and gradually were able to achieve more than
20000 MT per day. Now resources are optimized in such
a manner that EPGL is able to achieve an average of
18000 MT dispatch per day. .
Without great efforts from top
management, EPGL & EBTSL coal
management team, central coal
procurement team, coal logistic team,
EPGL security and IT team this would
not have been possible.
Salaya Thermal Power Unit-2 185 Days

Continuous Running
Essar Power Gujarat (EPGL) 2 x 600 MW, Salaya I plant,
achieved a commendable milestone by completing
successful continuous running of Unit-2 for 185 days
(March 19, 2013 to Sep 20, 2013)
This achievement by the team, in the first year
of its operation, is a rare feat in the field of thermal
power plants. Considering that it was the first Thermal
Power plant for Essar that came up with new Chinese
technology of which the team had little experience
was commendable indeed. of which the team had little
experience.
Team Salaya left no stone unturned, to ensure
continuous reliable and efficient operation of the plant.
This was only possible due to highly dedicated Operation
and Maintenance team at EPGL.
Addressing the team on the occasion, Ramesh
Kumar, MD-EPGL Salaya, congratulated one and all
associated for achieving the milestone. Individual
brilliance coupled with collective wisdom spells
success, he said.
House Load & Runback System

Implementation at EPGL
Various control systems like ABB DCS, ABB PLC,
Siemens PLC, Allen Bradley PLC, Online Performance
Monitoring System, Chimney monitoring system,
Vibration monitoring system etc. were integrated on a
common platform to be operated from a single control
desk. Within a very short period, all the auto control loops
and coordinated control system were commissioned and
made functional to optimize designed plant parameters.
Aiming higher, we have decided to implement higher
level controls like House load system and Runback
system for operational enhancement. Briefing about
HOUSE LOAD, it is a system, wherein, a running Unit of
600 MW is disconnected from grid and then it settles at
25 MW of its auxiliary power within split second with the
help of control system. RUNBACK is a mechanism in
which 600 MW load is reduced to 300 MW automatically,
without any operator assistance, if any major auxiliary
like ID fan, FD Fan, PA fan, Boiler Feed water pump and
Boiler Circulating pump trips.
The challenge to implement such systems was that
no HPE expertise was available for the support and even
the unit should not trip during testing. However, team
C&I successfully implemented these systems with set
of enthusiastic, dedicated, efficient, hard-working and
result oriented members.
Above are only few examples of how team EPGL
demonstrated its capabilities. Many such initiatives
have been taken since EPGL power plant has become
operational.
Haresh Rathod, Nilesh Dave, Kehul Gandhi [EPGL Salaya]
52 P
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performance highlights during the year 2013-14

Met customer target - Normative availability of 80%

achieved
Technical availability 92% (only two forced outages
in a year, high reliability)
Unit-2 continuous run of 185 days (record for similar
size Chinese plant in India)
Specific oil consumption 0.32 ml/kwh (ABP 1 ml/
kwh)
Specific water consumption 2455 ml/kwh (ABP2517 ml/kwh)
Auxiliary consumption 6.6% (even with 11% lower
loading factor than ABP)
UI optimisation INR 15 Cr.
Deemed export earning INR 233 Cr.
WERITE 53
BUSINESS BUZZ
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Excellence in safety performance was recognized

by Greentech Foundation for Hazira Power
Complex by awarding : Essar Power Limited Gold Award
Bhander Power Limited Gold Award
Essar Power Hazira Limited, (270MW)
Silver Award.
Mr. Dharmesh Patel, Head Maintenance,
receiving Greentech Safety Award 2013
ACCOLADES received by Essar Power

Essar Power, Hazira complex has received
various safety and energy awards from
National and International organizations,
during year 2013-14.
Essar Power is proud to
complete more than 11 years
without Loss Time Accident
(LTA) case. Bhander Power
has completed 10 years
without LTA case, on
1st April, 2014. Such an
excellent safety performance
is achieved through highest
level of committed team
work by everyone towards
safety from the time of
project zero date. We have
been continuing our best
efforts to maintain our site
Injury free, healthy
and environment
friendly work place.
Mr. Shailendra Rathore, Head Operation,

receiving Safety Award 2012
Bhander Power Limited, Hazira has been recognised
in the category of Power Generation, by the National
Safety Council of India. Out of more than hundred power
plants, Bhander Power Limited was one of the four nonnuclear power plants, which received this award.
The award was presented by Shri Arun Kumar
Sinha (IAS), Additional Secretary - Ministry of Labour
& Employment, during function held at New Delhi on
4th October, 2013. Mr. Shailendra Rathore, Head
Operation received this award.
Mr. Vishwaroop Lal, CEO, ROE Asset and Mr. Dishank Oza, Head HSE, Hazira Power
Complex, receiving Golden Peacock Safety Award from Honble Shri Manish Tiwari, Union
Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Government of India
Essar Power Limited, Hazira, has been awarded highly prestigious Golden
Peacock Occupational Health & Safety Award 2013, by Institute of
Directors. This award was presented by Honble Shri Manish Tiwari, Union
Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Government of India,
during award presentation ceremony, at New Delhi. Mr. Vishwaroop Lal,
CEO, ROE Asset and Mr. Dishank Oza, Head HSE, Hazira Power Complex,
have received this award.
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Above all, Bhander Power Limited was awarded

Excellent Energy Efficient Unit, and Essar Power
Limited was conferred Energy Efficient Unit.
This year 74 companies participated from various
sectors. Power sector had 12 companies competing
including Bhander Power Limited (BPL) and Essar
Power Limited (EPoL).
This prestigious award was presented by Shri L.S.
Ganapati Chairman, CII, Dr. Ajay Mathur Director
General (Bureau of Energy Efficiency) and Dr. Naushad
Forbes, Chairman, Energy Efficiency Summit.
s
n
o
i
t
a
l
u
t
a
r
g
Con
to Power T
eam Haz
ira,
for achievin
g excellenc
e
in safety pe
rformance
&
energy effi
cient opera
tions
and makin
g Hazira Po
wer
Complex a
safest & en
e
rgy
efficient wo
rk place.
Dishank Oza [EPHL Hazira]
WERITE 55
BUSINESS BUZZ
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Bhander Power bags
CII Environmental best practices

award 2013 for
Launch of Company Regulations

for PT MBL, Indonesia
Innovative Environmental
Project
Title : Swale water utilization for Horticulture
Some special initiatives undertaken by

Bhander Power included:

Implementation of in-house condenser chemical

treatment program with Zero acid dozing of 98%
hazardous Sulphuric acid.
Various water saving projects; installation of an RO
plant -reduces usable water from the waste water,
resulting in additional savings of water.
The treated discharged water is good enough to be
used for horticulture and for breeding fish by installing
swale with 100% fish survival from day one of Swale
in place.
Bhander Power plant is registered under the Kyoto
Protocols Clean Development Mechanism (CDM),
and has so far accumulated about one million carbon
credits (credits earned because of cleaner technology)
hander Power, Hazira, was bestowed

Environmental best practices award 2013
for Innovative Environmental Project
titled Swale water utilization for Horticulture by
CII held in Bangalore. The award was presented
to the Power team on November 28, 2013. The
three-day award function began on November 27.
Essars Bhander Power plant is a 500 MW
gas-based, combined cycle plant captive to Essar
Steels Hazira steel plant. Combined Cycle power
plants are environment friendly, the chimneys are
smokeless and the plant generates power without
pollution.
At the award function, a team of Power
executives Mr. Ashit D Desai Head Chemistry &
Environment, Hazira and Mr. Shashank SambhareHead C&I, made a presentation on innovative
project Swale water utilization for Horticulture
and performance in water conservation and
environment management at the site.
e are happy to announce

that Company Regulations
for PT MBL Indonesia
have been approved by Ministry of
Manpower, Indonesia. The company
regulations will be valid for the next
two years.
Company
Regulation
is
a mandatory requirement for
any organization to operate in
Indonesia, and this is a milestone
achieved by our team, bringing it
a step closer towards becoming a

fully operational mining giant.
Company Regulation is a
Bipartite agreement between the
employees and employer of the
company regarding the terms and
condition of employment, which
is negotiated after number of
rounds of meeting between the
representatives of employees and
the management.
This project has been extremely

critical for PTMBL. The achievement
would now smoothen and fasten
processing of all major government
approvals relating to labour and
employment in Indonesia.
We would like to thank specially
Mr. P Alagurajan (COO Indonesia),
Mr. P C Sharma (Project Head) and
Mr. Abdul Shafas (Sr. Manager
Finance) for their great contributions
in making this possible.
Prateek Bhatnagar [PTMBL, Indonesia]
Ashit Desai [EPOL, Hazira]
56 P
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Highlights
of the
Essar Power Mp Ltd Operations
Introduction:
ssar Power MP Ltd. (EPMPL) 2x600 MW STPP was started as a

Greenfield project, successfully commissioned Unit-I and made
it available for commercial operation, sailing through the ups and
downs of the dynamic business environment. Unit-1 of Mahan project
commissioned on 24th February, 2013 in cooperation with HEC (Harbin
Engineering Co.) was first synchronized with the grid on Dec. 24, 2013.
Streamlining the efficient plant operation sans Chinese support was
a prodigious task. Such a remarkable feat would never be accomplished
without the untiring progressive efforts put in by the operation team. They
had little experience of Chinese technology, as it was new in India.
Gradually, our team improved their expertise for operation and took
independent charge for running the plant. This was one of the major
milestones for operation team to grasp Chinese technology and run the
plant without HEC team.
Operation team continuously conducted group discussion and made
various presentations for improving operational activities. The consumption
of Unit Start-up fuel oil was high earlier, which was reduced by the team.
This was a major achievement on their part. A system was developed
to maintain records. Log sheet, logbooks and PTW was initiated and
maintained, which was important for long term plant record. SAP based
PTW system was implemented successfully after several initial hurdles.
Various plant modifications were also done with the help of maintenance
team for smooth and reliable running of plant. Several other operational
milestones were also achieved by team Mahan, such as Unit Taken in CCS
generation mode that helped the unit to earn UI benefits. In absence of CCS
mode (due to partial load operation) team operation manually maintained
the load along with frequency to earn maximum UI benefits.
Daily auxiliary consumption of 11% was reduced to 8% and achieved
specific oil consumption of 0.29ml/Kwh, in the first year of plant operation.
LDO & HFO consumption was minimized during cold start up resulting in
saving of `80 lacs per cold boiler light-up. Past four cold boiler light-up
resulted in savings of `320 Lacs. This marks a new landmark in the units
journey towards achieving more milestones in the future. Team Mahan left
no stone unturned to ensure continuous, reliable and efficient operation of
the plant. After continuous and persistent efforts of team, all the hurdles
were cleared and best industry practices were followed to stabilize the
units at the earliest.
58 P
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Initiative to achieve Plant Efficiency &
cost optimization:
Pre- checkups check list is prepared to ensure readiness
of equipments before startup to avoid any delay in plant
synchronization. Some initiative and good operational
practices have been adopted like Plant integrated startup,
as per standard operating procedure, time mapping and
planning for parallel activities in Boiler and Turbine to
reduce the plant startup time and oil consumption.
Some of other the important

achievements were:
Display of Turbine Startup curve/Plant Single

line Diagram/Electrical single line diagram on
CCR walls.
Made initiative for display of SOP for all
equipment for line up and local operation by
Field engineer/Operator.
Knowledge sharing sessions between team
members
and training on various topics
through video conferencing.
This is just a start of our

journey on the path of
efficiency and excellence.
Team operation is working
hard 24x 7 committed to set
new benchmarks in the field of
Thermal power plant Operation.
Execution of preventive maintenance schedule in the

plant was being done, as per SAP PM Module. Condition
monitoring of plant equipment was done to avoid breakdown.
PTW system through SAP PM Module was followed to reduce
downtime and maintaining historical data. Efforts were
made to reduce specific water consumption by identifying
leakages, unnecessary blow downs, steam venting etc.
Closely monitoring of steam and water parameters like PH,
conductivity, Silica etc were done. Contract was allocated
for CT basin water treatment to M/s Vasu Chemicals to avoid
corrosion and scaling in CW pipe lines. Timely soot blowing
of Boiler achieved better boiler efficiency.
Preparation of standard operating procedure for
BTG,BOP, water treatment,RWIS,400kv switchyard, LT
and HT distribution system were executed on ground.
Execution of 600MW real time simulator training at site for
all Desk/field engineers at site by Essar Excellence Center,
Salaya through V-SAT was done. One week training for 40
engineers from operation department was successfully
completed. Appointment of fresh NPTI Diploma holders as
field operators for better supervision of boiler turbine field
bore fruit in aligning with the organizational goal.
An Initiative for availability of one copy of boiler, turbine,
electrical manual, technical diary and SOP book each in
CCR for reference during any confusion helped associates.
Safety

Safety Caution display, warning and safety slogan

display at areas like hydrogen filling station, hydrogen
store room, TG floor, CT basin, FOPH, Switchyard, CCR,
ESP MCC, MV switchgear, AVR room.
Proper isolation and barricading of the area or equipment
under maintenance, hazards zone, restricted entry zone.
WERITE
available from Indonesia was US$ 118.40 per MT in

2011, US$ 95.48 per MT in 2012 and US$ 86.63 per
MT till July 2013 respectively. While the quoted levelised
tariff was based on approximate FOB US$ 34-36 per MT,
the variable cost on account of imported coal was more
than double. This loss accounted for example paise 67/
kWh for Tata, as claimed in its petition to regulators.
Aggrieved by these adverse changes, developers
including Tata, Adani and Reliance approached
regulators for compensating the loss on variable tariff.
Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has
accepted the financial difficulty faced by generators in
producing power at current tariff because of change in
Indonesian law and consequent rise in price of imported
coal. CERC also observed that it is a temporary
phenomenon and is likely to stabilize after some time.
However, CERC has not accepted the claim of Force
Majeure and change in Indonesian law and thus ruled
out discharge from the performance of the PPAs on
account of frustration (Force Majeure) or increase in
tariff on account of change in law.
Optimization of oil consumption was achieved by

avoiding unnecessary use of oil guns and readiness of
standby coal mills, dedicated staff at coal bunkers and
coal feeders for supervision. Unit runs on CCS mode to
achieve better parameter regulation in terms of efficiency
and reduced plant heat rate. Some initiatives taken to reduce
auxiliary consumption included discontinuation of one CW
pump, one vacuum pump, one CEP operating in partial
load. Use of VFD, voith system and TDBFP was required to
achieve less auxiliary consumption target.
Prabhat Sharma [EPMPL Mahan]
60 P
The Role of Tariff

in the
Power Sector
evelopers such as Tata (Mundra UMPP), Adani

(Mundra UMPP), Reliance (Krishnapatnam
UMPP) and Essar (Salaya-I) that bid for the
power supply based on imported coal based power
projects under competitive bidding route, as per MOP
guidelines are currently facing huge financial losses.
Under the ICB guidelines, tariff is quoted for 25 years.
All the developers had quoted a two part tariffCapacity
Charge (Fixed Tariff) and Energy Charge (Variable
Tariff).
These Developers had promised to source their
coal requirements primarily from Indonesia , as the latter
had higher committed production reserve for exports,
lower freight cost being close to India, more suited
coal characteristics, conducive investment climate and
relative ease of acquiring coal assets.
The financial loss is due to the new set of regulations
promulgated by Republic of Indonesia. Regulation of
Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources number 17
of 2010 mandates selling coal in domestic as well as
international markets at a benchmark price, which is
prevailing international market price, and that all preexisting contractual arrangements are required to be
aligned with this new regulation. When the bid was
placed by these developers in 2007 , coal from Indonesia
was available at a discount of approximately FOB US$
23-24 per MT for long term contracts. New Indonesian
regulation led to huge increase in imported coal price.
For example, the average HBA price for imported coal
Essar Power Gujarat Limited participated in

the competitive bidding and was granted
right to supply power from 2X600 MW
imported coal based power plant at Vadinar.
The Parekh Committee headed by Deepak Parekh

was tasked to come up with a formula for the passthrough of additional costs arising from the sharp rise
in the prices of imported Indonesian coal. Based on the
recommendation of Deepak Parekh Committee and its
analysis, CERC has given the Order on Compensatory
Tariff in February 2014 for Tata and Adani. The per unit
compensation in Tatas case as an illustration works out
to Rs. 0.43 /kWh net of profit from Indonesian mines.
In Adanis case, per unit compensation works out
to Rs. 0.55/kWh for Gujarat PPA and Rs. 0.089 /kWh
for Haryana PPA net of profit from Indonesian mines,
merchant sales and sacrifice of ROE.
Essar Power Gujarat Limited (EPGL) participated

in the competitive bidding undertaken by Gujarat Urja
Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) vide bid number GUVNL
03/LTPP/2006 and was granted right to supply power
from 2X600 MW imported coal based power plant at
Vadinar in Gujarat. Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
for 1000 MW was signed between GUVNL and EPGL
on 26.02.2007. Levelised tariff for supply of power to
GUVNL is Rs. 2.40/ kWh. EPGL is also incurring loss on
variable tariff on account of change in Indonesian law.
EPGL has thus filed its petition to the regulator to seek
compensation for the losses incurred on the lines of Tata
and Adani.
Saurav Srivastav [NPPL Mum-Kurla]
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BUSINESS BUZZ
ssar Foundation is the Corporate Social

Responsibility (CSR) arm of the Essar conglomerate
committed to maintaining the highest standards
of CSR in its business activities and aims to make a
difference to the communities around. Essar Foundation
collaborates with key stakeholders, especially the local
administration and institutions to facilitate development
with initiatives on education, livelihood, womens
empowerment and health. The interventions are in line
with the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDG)
and the provisions under the Companies Act, 2013. It
impacts more than a million lives positively across 500
villages in eight states of India.
The Foundation aligns its vision with the larger vision

of the conglomerate based on the four Ps PEOPLE at
the core, PROGRESS towards aspirations, POWER of
synergy, and PASSION with compassion.
Essar Power is committed to minimizing pollution,
reducing environmental footprint and optimizing
resource consumption by planning and carrying
out operations through environmentally responsible
processes, techniques and practices. The CSR activities
for Essar Power are undertaken in three locations of
Essar Powers presence, i.e. Jamnagar in Gujarat, Tori
in Jharkhand and Mahan / Singrauli in Madhya Pradesh,
in line with Essars broader CSR philosophy.
Girl Students:
Gaining Ascendancy into
the Sports World
Taking Quality Healthcare

Services to the villages
Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh
Powering
Change
CSR at Power Business

Locations
was too weak to draw breast milk in
first two weeks.
The Gift of a Healthy

Childhood
Village Deonadia, Tori,
Jharkhand
omen of the nondescript

village of Deonadia, have
with time, realized the
importance of pre-natal care and
institutional delivery. A daily wage
earning woman of the village, Payal
Devi had been a regular visitor at
the Mahuamilan Health Sub-Center
throughout her pregnancy.
Medical Officer, Dr. R. K. Rout,
kept monitoring her pregnancy
closely and advising her on nutrition
and pre-natal care. As Payal
awaited childbirth, the doctor and
staff at the sub-center, prepared for
any eventualities. Payal delivered a
baby boy with minor complications.
Weighing as low as 1.7kg, the baby
boy, Manas, did not show signs of a
normal child at birth. The frail baby
boy received special attention from
the doctor as well as ANM. Manas
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I cant thank the

Mahuamilan Sub-Center
and ANM enough for
saving my son, Manas.
For poor families like ours,
this kind of dedicated
service brings rays of hope
and joy.
Payal devi
Through daily follow-ups and

special counselling sessions on
postnatal nutrition and tips on
breastfeeding Dr. Rout closely
monitored development of the
child. Soon, all the efforts, care and
attention helped the child to recover
steadily, bringing improvement in
his body weight. From a dangerously
underweight newborn to a healthy
one-month old weighing almost 3
kgs, Manas survived to make an
incredible beginning of his journey
into a healthy childhood.
Payal and her family paying
heed to the doctors advice at all
stages helped make this possible.
Payal continues to breastfeed
Manas and she brings him for regular
health check-ups, vaccinations and
advice. Manas has continued to
grow normally and encouragingly.
And whats more Payal currently
works actively advocating for
breastfeeding among lactating and
pregnant women in the village.
he comprehensive development of children calls for a good balance

between academics and physical activities especially sports.
Essar continually encourages the school to promote sports among
students. The students have been regularly participating in sports meets
and tournaments organized by Saraswati Siksha Parishad. The girls have
excelled at these events. At a Kabaddi Tournament, the school girls team
secured the runners-up spot within the district. In one of the athletic meets,
Kabuttar Vishwakarma, a Class VIIIth student won 11 medals (Ten Golds and
One Silver) and amazed the audience with her stupendous performance. She
also bagged the Best Athlete Award at the regional level during the event
in Bokaro, Jharkhand. Kabuttar is currently practicing harder for upcoming
sporting challenges, while basking in glory, as shes being much talked about
in the local media.
Meritorious Students Rewarded for

Excellence in Academics
Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh
araswati Shishu Mandir,

Nand Vihar, is supported by
Essar Foundation. It is one
of the few schools in this area that
caters almost wholly to children
of displaced families. The school
runs classes from Lower
Nursery to Std X and has Total of 97% students passed in their
respective classes this year, with close to 40%
1,030 students enrolled.
students achieving Grade A and Grade B.
The school is open for all
children to be admitted, The school has been performing better with
each passing year, not just in academics, but
and does not discriminate
also in sports.
on the basis of merit
or class. It has been
38 students qualified for district level
performing exceedingly
Meritorious Students Examinations
well in academics with
the continual efforts in improving
the area. The school had started
the behavior and learning levels of
with merely 250 students in 2010.
the children. The children have a
With the continued efforts of
bright future ahead if they continue
teachers and staff of the school, it
to nurture the best of their potential.
has steadily increased enrolment
There is expressed optimism at
and now has over 1,030 students
the potential of the school to be
on its registers for the academic
transformed into a model school in
year 2013-14. Saraswati Shishu
Village Motamandha,
Jamnagar, Gujarat
n its endeavours to provide

the best of healthcare to
the underserved rural areas,
Essar foundation hosts open
health camps for people of the
communities
around
Essars
facilities on a regular basis. In
one such Mega Health camp, the
villagers came in large numbers
to get diagnosed and treated by
specialist doctors and received
counselling services along with
quality medicines free of cost.
About 250 patients of all age
groups took healthcare services
in this camp. A sizeable number
of patients benefitted from
Opthalmology
and
Pediatric
consultation,
while
other
ailments like skin disorders, earnose- throat, gynaecological
consultation and general ailments
were also treated in the camp.
Mandir, Nand Vihar, organized

its fifth Annual Prize Distribution
ceremony with the declaration of
annual examination results. Top
three rankers from Lower Nursery to
Std X were given result sheets and
prizes by dignitaries that included
MLA, Deosar, Dr Rajendra Meshram.
Courtesy Team CSR [ESIL]
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BUSINESS BUZZ
BUSINESS BUZZ
Highlights of Job radar system:

Enriching the culture of safety
Job Radar System at Vadinar Power Company Limited
Quality is never
incidental; it is always
the result of foresight,
high intention, sincere
effort, intelligent
direction and skillful
execution; it represents
the wise choice of
many alternatives
64 P
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he
recently
launched Job
Radar System
at VPCL is one of
those remarkable
changes
that
has surface as a
system, the first of
its kind in Essar. It is
a unique software
based Safety Radar
System that covers
the entire VPCL
facility, developed and executed by an in-house team, led by Samir J Dave,
Head-Technical Services, VPCL and team mate, Mr. Venkataraman N.
It was formally inaugurated on the 4th of March 2014 by Mr. Ramesh

Kumar, MD, Salaya Power (EPGL) at Phase 2A Control Room, VPCL.
The system has been developed by VPCL with

in-house software based system, which provides
visual indication of job location in the plant
graphics along with type of work permit like Hot
Work, Cold Work, Confined space entry etc.
Graphics of the entire power plant is displayed
in an overview with color based Red, Yellow and
Green button that pop up, based on type of work
carried out in the respective areas.
The graphics so generated are also capable of
indicating the exact elevation of work and its
surrounding conditions.
The system generates a report indicating the total
no of permits and its area wise bifurcation in terms
of the number of hot work, cold work, confined
space permit issued, area-wise in tabular form.
The system software will capture required
information from daily job planning sheet approved
by VPCL control room Shift In-Charge. This will
avert duplication of data entry.
The graphic is being displayed in control room
video screen.
All VPCL users will be able to view the same from
their PCs/Laptops through common server.
Advantages of the System:

Objective:

To have visual display that indicates job locations,

with area wise plant graphics along with the type
of work permits like hot, cold and confined space
work.
To control the number of work permits and type
of work permits in a particular area.
Purpose:
To enhance safety management system through
visual monitoring of the work permit system of the
plant, generating area wise graphics.
If the history is referred to, majority of the fatal

accidents that have taken place in industries were
due to surrounding conditions and on-going work
being carried in those areas, which have direct or
indirect impact. This can now be monitored to avoid
any such untoward incidents.
With this system, the number of work permits
and type of work permits in particular area can be
controlled.
Work at height can also be controlled wherein hot
work is going on at one elevation, if require work
permit at an elevation below can be controlled
accordingly.
This system is capable of generating history of work
permit data, which will be maintained on daily basis
and can be used for analysis for O&M purpose.
This job radar system is indeed useful for the safety
department , as now overview with regard to the
number of work and type of work being carried out
in each area is available. Based on this overview, the
safety department can plan their vigilance to ensure
safety at work.
This Job radar system is useful to the operation
department as well, giving a clear idea of the ongoing jobs at the control room itself, hence saving
a lot of time and possibilities of human error during
shift change over.
Samir Dave [VPCL Vadinar]
Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality and this is exactly
what Mr.K.B Makadia exemplifies. Mr. Makadia is the key initiator for the system
and also a driving force to bring this system to fruition. He has always taken keen
interest in HSE&F and is looked upon as the Chief Mentor for HSE&F for Power
Business Group. With a dedicated team under his guidance and spear headed
by Mr. Samir Dave, Head-Technical Services, VPCL, we have a system in place
that is a stepping stone towards a safer environment to work and reliable safety
management system.. A competent team, delegated with responsibilities and
entrusted with decision making authority, the project was executed well within
the timelines through consistent review of work progress and closure of the
same.
WERITE 65
BUSINESS BUZZ
BUSINESS BUZZ
The story so far
270MW
Multi-Fuel Power Plant, Hazira
Side View Of 270MW MFPP
270 MW TEAM
TG Hall Under Completion

Cooling Tower And Forebay
GIS Bldg
he 270MW Multi-Fuel Power Project (MFPP) being

a very prestigious project creates an environment
of team work, self motivation and pride amongst
all involved. The team has been successfully able to
achieve 790 Injury free man-days till now, demonstrating
high level of safety standards followed at site. There is
always a drive from the top management to promote a
safety and innovative culture within the team . Many new
concepts like Multi-fuel firing, Gas Insulated Switchyard,
Claritube Settler clarifier etc make this project interesting
and exciting.
TG Building
Boiler-1
A comprehensive Format system has been adopted,

wherein the systems that are handed over by construction
group are thoroughly checked. Punch points are given
for further corrections before final handover.
There has been constant endeavor to expedite the
site progress with the available resources through close
monitoring of construction activities at site.
Nitin Agarwal [EPHL Hazira]
66 P
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Boiler #1 Erection
Boiler-2
ESP Control Bldg
DM Plant
The 270MW plant has been awarded Green Tech

Silver award for best safety practices .
The erection activities at 270MW MFPP have gathered
momentum and the work is simultaneously undertaken
on many fronts including piping , electrical and
instrumentation. The team is determined to achieve smooth
commissioning and subsequently reliable operations of
the plant . A lot of emphasis is being given to enhance the
teams capability through trainings , technical discussions
and exposure to Simulator.
Softening Plant
ESP-2
ESP-1
ESP
Control
Bldg
Ash Silos
Clarifier Tank
Milestones achieved:

STG 1 & 2 erection and Initial Alignment

completed
Boiler #1 in advanced stage of erection to
achieve next milestone i.e. Hydrotest, boiler-2
pressure parts erection in progress
Chimney Shell completed (215m)along with
completion of fuel can erection of both units
Total Project completion 83.8% ( Civil work
nearly 85% , Procurement - 93% ,Engineering 94.5% and Construction - 72.8% completed )
Boiler #2 Erection
Highlights:

TG Hall is nearing completion including erection

of all major equipment, piping, Control and MCC
rooms, sheeting and flooring work
Stair case support structure erection at Chimney
in progress
Condenser Neck welding for Unit #1 commenced
Water System covering DM plant, Softening
plants nearing completion. Clarifiers civil work
is nearly completed and mechanical work to
commence
Electrical and Instrumentation control system
panel erection completed. Peripheral work
including cabling and termination is under
progress.
Civil work at IDCTs is completed and mechanical
erection in progress.
Civil work of ESP 1&2 is completed and electrical
and instrumentation work is in progress .ESP-1
erection is completed and is ready for leak test
GIS building erection to begin and all transformers
including Generator Transformers have been
erected
WERITE 67
BUSINESS BUZZ
BUSINESS BUZZ
ssar Power Transmission Company Ltd,

an inter-state transmission licensee is
established with objective of planning,
promoting and developing an integrated and
efficient power transmission system network.
This includes aspects of investigation, research,
design & engineering, preparation of preliminary
feasibility & definite project reports, construction
operation & maintenance of transmission lines,
substations, communication facilities and
appurtenant works. It also covers coordination of
integrated operation of such transmission system
with grid system, providing utilities/organizations,
wheeling of power, purchase and sale of power
in accordance with guidelines laid down by
the central government.. EPTCL is working on
renewable energy like solar, wind, hydro, wave,
tidal and geothermal to achieve high availability
of the system for uninterrupted power supply to
customers.
As on 30-Mar-14, we own and operate more
than 250 Ckt. kms network of transmission lines,
1,000 MVA transformation capacity and one
substation (Gas Insulated) that is to facilitate
evacuation of the 1200MW Power from Mahan
Power Plant (Phase-I). It is a 1,200 MW (2x600
MW) captive coal-fired pit-head power plant
located in Singrauli district, Madhya Pradesh.
EPTCL sets new milestones:

Promoting successful charging of 104 km long 400 KV
D/C Gandhar-Hazira line along with the 400/220 KV
GIS substation on 17th March, 2013,- Essar Power
Transmission Company Limited has achieved new
milestones.
1. Provisional Tariff (Rs. 89.58 Cr) for Stage I Elements
(LILO Vinyachal-Korba, 400KV D/C Gandhar-Hazira
and 400KV Substation) is approved by CERC on 12th
September, 2013.
2. System Availability of Stage 1 elements has been
above 99.9% for FY 2013-14 as compared to CERC
Benchmark of 98% and out of these 12 months
system had availability of 100% in more than 6
months, as certified by WRPC (Western Region Power
Committee).
3. EPTCL has also started earning revenue for FY 201314 and we have Rs 72 cr deposited in EPTCL account.
Gandhar-Hazira Line and 400KV GIS is in service
and Essar steel is drawing Power in the range of 650
MW without interruption since 24thJune, 2013. Prior to
this, EPTCL had already charged 22.4 km long 400 KV
D/C LILO of Vindhyachal-Korba line on 15th December,
2011, which initially wheeled the auxiliary power required
for Essar Power Mahan Limited and at present is being
used to evacuate power from Mahan.
Efficient O&M and Safety has been the top most
priority. Modern preventive maintenance such as
hotline washing, thermal vision scanning, online DGA
monitoring, PD conditioning is carried out as routine
preventive measures. Safety meetings are being
conducted on monthly basis for technicians, contractor`s
staff and employees at sites to understand importance
& adhere to safety norms. No LTI happened since COD
(April 2014) in 400KV Vindhyachal Korba LILO Lines,
400KV Gandhar Hazira Line and 400KV GIS substation
at Hazira.
Milestones achieved:
1. 15-Dec-11 : Commissioned 22.4 km LILO of
Vindhyachal-Korba
2. 16-Mar-13 : Commissioned 105 km 400kv GandharHazira line
3. 17-Mar-13 : Commissioned 400/220 KV, 500 MVA
Substation at Hazira
4. 01-Apr-13 : COD was declared for Phase I elements
(LILO & Gandhar - Hazira element)
5. 12-Sep-13 : Approval of Provisional Tariff for Stage-I
elements
This 400/220 KV substation is the 1st GIS

commissioned in Essar Group. There are very few
transformers of 500 MVA operational in India, out of
which two have been installed by the company.With
this system in place, Essar Steel is connected to Central
Grid and has optimised its cost of steel-production with
cheaper power. This new state-of-the-art technology i.e.
Gas Insulated Substation (GIS) in place of Air Insulated
Substation (AIS) ensures more reliability and also
minimal land requirement.
Average Availability of system under

operation is above 99.9% and details
of elements are as follows:
Elements under Operation &
Maintenance:
1. LILO of Vindhyachal-Korba line (22.4 km) Double
circuit line.
2. 400kv Gandhar-Hazira line (105 km) Double circuit
line.
3. 400/220 KV, 500 MVA Substation at Hazira
4. 2 numbers of 400 KV line bays at Ghandhar
(NTPC) switchyard
Updates on
Essar Power Transmission
Elements under Construction:

Highlights of Evacuation System:
1. 500 MVA Transformer is amongst very few
transformer`s in India which are in service
2. 400/220 KV, 500 MVA Substation at Hazira is the 1st
GIS in Essar Group
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1. 400Kv D/C Mahan - Sipat Line - 336.7 km

2. 2 X 50 MVAR line reactor at Sipat pooling sub
station
3. 2 numbers of 400 KV line bays at Sipat pooling
sub station
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BUSINESS BUZZ
BUSINESS BUZZ
Challenges Faced:
River Locations
1. 1.7 Km wide River Narmada crossed with 2 towers in river-bed & 2 anchor towers.
2. These locations typically involved 1500mm dia and 60 meter deep piles.
3. Most of the tower footing near NH-08 (Baruch Region) were submerged & were
non-accessible due to flood.
1. Tower at location 44/3 is at the bank of River Narmada. We faced unprecedented

high flood in the Narmada last monsoon. The flood level was more than the
High Flood level and there was tremendous soil erosion at the subject anchor
tower location of Gandhar - Hazira line. The Revetment wall at location 44/3
was badly damaged due to heavy rain and flood.
creek locations
1. 40 locations in creek consumed 420 Piling

2. Due to high tide, foundation erection and stringing work in creek area in Hazira
was badly affected.
1. Huge resistance by local villagers/farmers in Gandhar-Hazira region.

2. Lot of Coordination required with Collectorate and Police Department for line
patrolling & breakdown maintenance due to huge local resistance
soil erosion
Anchor towers
row problems
1. Observed in Tower No 241 of Gandhar- Hazira Line, near NH-8 crossing in

Bharuch area.
1. 13 numbers of Special Civil Application (SCA) and 23 numbers of (Letter of Petition for
Admission) are going on before Chief Justice, Bhaskar Bhattacharya and Justice Pardiwala.
2. 8 numbers of SCA before Single Judge Justice, Anant Dave.
EPTCL
is the first private Transmission

Company which has been accorded
requisite Transmission License from the CERC for
execution of the lines and substation incorporated
therein the MahanATS (Associated Transmission
System).
Transmission Project for Power

evacuation from Mahan Power
Project (2 X 600 MW)
All the elements related to 400 KV D/C Gandhar-Hazira
line and 400/220 KV substation have been completed.
An important milestone being that the elements under
legal
stage-I i.e. LILO, Gandhar-Hazira line and 400/220 KV

substation have been commissioned during the month
of March, 2013 and are declared under Commercial
Operation w.e.f. 1st April, 2013.
For elements related to Mahan-Sipat line also,
work is advancing with appreciable pace. Moreover, for
Mahan-Sipat line, we have achieved a great milestone
by way of obtaining Final Forest Clearance (FFC) in
March 2013 and tree cutting permission was obtained
in Oct 2013. With this and all other Clearances in place,
work pace has gained momentum and is moving in full
swing.
Description
Total
Completed
Balance
Foundation
942
852
90
Erection
942
660
282
Stringing
336
58.8
277.2
Power
Sector
Challenges and Opportunities
A
farmer never eats the seed that he has preserved,

even in the worst famine. Electricity is like a seed
for the gross domestic product (GDP). Every
kilowatt- hour produces a gross domestic product
equal to Rs 100, which in turn generates tax revenue
of Rs 15 for the country. The gross domestic product is
twenty-five times the cost of power and the tax revenue
is almost four times. Using the example of the farmer,
the country will reap the benefits of improved GDP,
employment, exports and tax collection.
The opportunities for investment in Indias power
sector are huge. The policy and regulatory framework
are well-defined. All the segments, be it generation,
transmission, distribution, electricity trading or
equipment manufacturing, are open to private
participation. Several path-breaking regulations
such as standard bidding guidelines, open access,
multi-year tariff regime are in place. However, the
implementation of the policies/regulation has been
the challenge. The financial losses being incurred by
the distribution sector are capable of impacting the
viability of the entire sector.
Big power generation companies have got some

reason to cheer, at last. Under the amended mega
power policy, the government has allowed thermal
projects of above 1000 MW and hydro projects of
above 500 MW duty-free import of equipment and a
10-year tax holiday. Developers of smaller projects
pay five per cent import duty on equipment. To avail
the benefits of the amended policy, mega power
projects have to tie up at least 65 per cent of their
installed capacity through competitive bidding and
the remaining 35 per cent has to be through regulated
tariff, as per the host states policy. Earlier, developers
had to tie up 85 per cent of a projects installed capacity
with states through competitive bidding and 15 per
cent of electricity had to be tied up in an open sale.
With the host states demanding that 35 per cent of
the electricity be allotted to them, the developers were
unable to meet the 85 per cent competitive bid criteria.
The amendments are expected to give a fresh lease
of life to long-stuck power projects with a combined
capacity of 33,000 MW and investments of more than
Rs 1.6 lakh crore.
The power sector is going through a bad patch

right now because of two issues. While there are
certain things that are well within the governments
control, there are few other things that would need
some time to rectify even with the best intentions of
the government.
Financially stranded imported coal based power

plant got a new lease of life through order of the
Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC),
which directed the states to pay a compensation of Rs.
329.45 crore to Tata Power and Rs. 829 crore to Adani
Power for a period from April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013
Transmission scheme for other

projects
Jharkhand Project - 2X600 MW:
The Company has obtained Long Term Open Access for
evacuation of power. Dedicated 400KV D/C transmission
line from Tori Substation to PGCIL substation will be
constructed by Essar. Approval under Section 164
and Section 68 has been obtained from Ministry of
Power. Construction of line shall be completed, as per
requirement of Generation Plant.
Ashish Kakroo [EPTCL Hazira]
70 P
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P WERITE 71
BUSINESS BUZZ
for their past losses arising out of higher coal imports.
As per report by Rating Agency Care, the central
electricity regulators order for compensatory tariff to
Tata Power and Adani Power has not only provided
relief to producers but also ensured that discoms
and consumers are not burdened by higher tariff. The
CERC has also allowed a gross compensatory tariff
of Rs. 0.53 per unit for Tata Power, which supplies
power to Gujarat, Haryana, Maharashtra, Punjab and
Rajasthan, while a provisional gross compensatory
tariff of Rs. 0.85 per unit for Gujarat and Rs. 0.36 for
Haryana for Adani Power.
There were no spectacular achievements for the
power sector in 2013, except for laying of the worlds
highest capacity transmission line by Power Grid
Corporation. Though charged to 400 KV at present,
the 400-km line between Wardha and Aurangabad, will
be gradually able to carry 1,200 KV electricity. This is
the highest capacity in the world, the second being
the 1100 KV line in China. Peak power deficit shrunk
to a new low and effective measures were put in place
to secure strong grid operations.
After much delay and deliberations, CIL inked
fuel supply agreements (FSAs) following a directive
by the Cabinet Committee on Investment (CCI) that
timelines for signing of fuel pacts for power projects
of 78,000 MW capacity be met. The coal PSU has so
far inked 157 FSAs for a capacity of 71,145 MW. As
per New Coal Distribution Policy (NCDP) 2007, CIL
has to supply coal to such power plants with which it
has entered into fuel supply agreements. The Central
government had recently approved coal supplies to
thermal power plants, which are commissioned / to be
commissioned by 31 March 2015.
BUSINESS BUZZ
The country will enter a new gas regime from April
next year when gas prices will go up from $4.2 per
million metric British thermal units (mmbtu) to $8.4 per
mmbtu. Power minister Jyotiraditya Scindia vowed to
provide this essential raw material at a cheaper rate,
than what it would cost next year onwards, to gas
based power plants. Besides problems on the price
front, the sector also faces the challenge of shortage of
gas. Though the government has recently decided to
allot additional gas produced in the country to power
sector after meeting the requirements of urea plants,
at least 7,800 MW of generation capacity remains
stranded for want of gas. The decision on additional
allocation is also silent on the price front. Anything
beyond $5 per unit is unviable for the power sector
and a mechanism to address this issue will have to be
worked out by the government.
One thing is clear, unless the government sends
out clear message to the sector that it will not allow
the assets to become NPAs right from the beginning,
the investor confidence will not be restored and the
sector cannot attract further investment.
With the enactment of the Electricity Act, 2003 and
implementation of open access, the market structure
in the power sector changed from the single buyer
structure to a multi-buyer model. The generator could
sell power to any buyer using the open access provision
in transmission and users have the choice to choose
their supplier. Since the introduction of the Electricity
Act, 2003, there has been increased competition
among generators and suppliers, which has improved
the sectors performance. Currently many States that
have unbundled the SEBs have reported improvements
in their operational efficiency and are able to ensure
reliable power supply to consumers. Although several
SEBs have been unbundled, privatization of the
distribution sector has not happened on a larger scale,
though few circles in some States have implemented
private franchises. Distribution sector will continue to
be dominated by State distribution companies, which
however may witness increase in number of private
franchisees in the country.
Open access transactions have been primarily

used by SEBs / distribution licensees to sell surplus
or to meet the short term power requirements in their
respective regions. The industrial customers continue
to face issues pertaining to accessing their choice of
suppliers due to the restrictions imposed by several
state governments / SLDCs citing shortages or non
availability of transmission infrastructure.
With increased gap between domestic coal
production and its demand, we will have to develop
infrastructure to handle large quantities of imports
from nations such as Indonesia, Australia and South
Africa. Almost 200 million tonnes of mechanized coal
handling facilities will be created for both coking and
steam coal requirement of Indian industry by 2014-15.
A recent study by an industry body has revealed that
the coal handling capacity at existing and planned
ports is sufficient to handle the expected quantum of
coal imports; however the last mile connectivity still
remains a constraint. A chain is as strong as its weakest
link and so is the case with the coal logistics supply
chain. This adds up to the cost of imported coal, which
is already expensive as compared to domestic coal.
There is a need to re-look at augmenting coal handling
capacities at ports considering that importers of raw
material such as coal and iron ore have been facing
problems for years.
One cant be optimistic that the current state of
politics will enable us to find a solution that cuts across
party lines and does what is right for the country in a
reasonable time frame. Also, our system, over time, has
become increasingly litigious and so any solution that
emerges runs the risk of getting caught up in courts
and litigation. We seem to have reached a point where
it may be necessary to bring a Presidential directive
to effect a reboot or reset of the power sectorget
coal imported, implement a pooled price for coal and
amend power purchase agreements to permit a pass
through in the price of coal.
Although bringing a Presidential directive may
sound radical, it could be the only expeditious way
to find a pragmatic solution to the power sector log
jam without getting caught up in endless debate

and potential litigation. The solution could also build
in a sharing of the economic cost by government
and the private sector who may be getting a bailout.
Presidential directives need to be used selectively and
judiciously.
The government used the Presidential directive
to get Coal India to sign fuel supply agreements for
coal linkages. We need to extend that directive to a
more holistic solution for the sectors woes. Difficult
times require bold decisions. A Presidential directive
could be an elegant and politically convenient way for
all parties to resolve the sector issues without being
accused of favouring the private sector or facing
investigations at a later stage.
The current state of affairs in the countrys power
sector has made everybody sit up and think of ways
to correct the situation. One point on which there is
all-round consensus is that while generation needs
to be ramped up, equal thought should be given to
improving distribution. It is time to announce a set
of reforms for the distribution sector. When reforms
were first introduced in 1992, maximum emphasis was
laid on the generation side. It involved heavy capital
and attracted investments from the biggest power
companies across the globe. In the past decade, we
have increased our installed capacity multifold. Its
now time to strengthen distribution network and work
towards reducing losses. It is not possible to bail
out State Electricity Boards (SEBs) or provide huge
subsidies each time. We have to switch over to smart
metering across India, as it will help to reduce the
AT&C losses.
Indias power sector has a long way to go. Indias
fast-paced economic growth and its rapid rate of
industrialization and urbanization have fuelled an
increased demand for energy. It is estimated that if
India continues to grow at the current rate, the Indian
economy would emerge as the second largest in
the world, next only to China, by the year 2050. It is,
therefore, expected that the demand for energy would
also rise substantially in the future.
Bhavesh Kundalia [EPGL Salaya]
72 P
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BUSINESS BUZZ
BUSINESS BUZZ
Indian Coal Sector

The Way Forward
he Indian Coal Sector is facing major challenges

in order to meet the demand-supply balance in
the country. It is unable to meet the annual coal
consumption for Power Plants. Power Producers are
forced to off-take coal supplies from other countries.
However, inland logistics constraints coupled with
increased international coal prices have further
created issues for Power Producers in purchasing
high price coal to meet competitive long term PPAs.
The issues and challenges faced by the Indian Coal
sector are summarised as follows:
Strategic Importance of Coal Sector

in India

Coal is the cheapest source of primary commercial

energy (variable costs of indigenous gas and
imported coal based plants are far more expensive
than even non pit-head coal based plants).
India has the fifth-largest coal resources in the
World (293BT) and is the third largest (just after
US and China) coal producer in the world (558MT
in FY2013).
Coal reserves in India mainly spread over 7 States
in the country and concentrated in the Eastern and
Central India whereas, the demand are dispersed.
In India, more than 83 % of energy generation
is from the thermal sources. Within the thermal
sources, coal based generation is more than 86%.
Power generation by coal as fuel is around 58% of
total power generation in India.
India has been a power deficit country with
huge dependence on coal for its energy need.
Therefore, Coal to play important role in Indias
energy security.
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Coal producing Companies in India:

Coal India &
Its Subsidiaries,
Sccl & Nlc
Domestic Coal Sector:
Demand - Supply Scenario
Domestic production not sufficient to meet

the growing demand. In 2008-09, 89% of coal
consumed in the country was met through
indigenous production. However, due to mismatch
in demand supply situation, the annual deficit is
widening sharply.
Coal India Limited

CIL is the biggest company in the world and

main energy supplier to the country. Granted the
prestigious Maharatna recognition in April 2011.
Produces around 80% of Indias overall coal
production.
In India where approximately 52% of primary
commercial energy is coal dependent, CIL alone
meets to the tune of 40% of primary commercial
energy requirement.
Commands nearly 74% of the Indian coal market
and feeds majority of coal based thermal power
plants in India. Accounts for 76% of total thermal
power generating capacity of the Utility sector.
Supplies coal at prices discounted to international
prices. Insulates Indian coal consumers against
price volatility. Makes the end user industry
globally competitive
Due to the only major source of coal in the country,
CIL continues to play a dominant role in Indias
economic growth.
CIL production is growing YoY inspite of various
constraints the mining industry is currently facing
in India. However, demand growth 7-8% (5 year
CAGR) as against ~5% production growth, CIL is
in immense pressure to meet demand- supply gap.
Coal Demand- Supply situation for Power Sector

and high dependency on imported coal
P WERITE 75
BUSINESS BUZZ
The increasing domestic coal deficit is affecting India
adversely in the following manner:

Power Capacity affected specially plants located

away from Coast.
Increased variable cost of fuel and thus high
generation cost.
Actual loss to economy denting CAD due to high
dependency on imported coal.
Generation loss on current stranded capacity
inspite of power deficit.
The growing coal shortage will also hinder growth
rate.
Due to above, now country is forced to import at very
high prices, thereby making projects unviable. The
following graph shows spike in imports in recent years:
BUSINESS BUZZ
Coal India after signing of new FSA recently for about
78,000MW TPPs will remain in very tight supply
situation with long term consumers.

Committed demand and requirement for TPPs

442.68 MT.
This demand includes ongoing supplies to existing
consumers, which includes 306 MT for existing
Power utilities and 64.58 MT to other consumers
totalling 370.58 MT.
Balance 52.89 MT towards the committed demand
through FSA and LOA route in respect of SLC (LT)
consumers other than TPPs.
Based on clearance given till date negative coal
balance with CIL.
Issues and Challenges in the Sector

Challenges in domestic coal
production and supplies
Domestic coal sector is facing many constraints in
various fronts and posing challenges to maintain
their supplies to meet growing demand. The various
concerns are as under:

Domestic Supply Scenario in Mid Term
Growth in domestic coal supply of 5%6% CAGR

is expected in the medium term
Coal India Limiteds (CIL) significant portion of
underground mines limits companys ability to
add capacity. CILs Mahanadi Coalfields could
contribute the highest proportion of incremental
production via its opencast Greenfield projects.
A number of coalfields are also facing adverse
stripping ratio Higher cost with lower production.
Rail infrastructure remains overburdened with
limited new expansion
Most of the incremental production is likely to come
from high ash deposits -leading to deterioration in
overall calorific values.
Captive coal blocks to power plants and steel
producers contribution to overall domestic coal
production will increase from 5% now to 15% by
2017.
Non availability of land for compensatory

afforestation.

179 blocks of CIL awaiting Forest Clearances ;
The major coal producer of coal in the country, CIL is

expected to grow at moderate rate and reach to about
550 million tonnes by 2017, while imported coal will
have to cater all incremental needs and satisfy 230250 million tonnes of coal needs as explained below:

Delayed statutory Clearances

Delays in granting statutory clearances;
multiple agencies involved. Taking 3-4 years
as compared to prescribed timeframe of 15-18
months.
Opposition from local community.
WERITE
Private sector allocated mines only for captive

use

R&R issues for tenancy land acquisition

high rates offered by private parties (without
provision for employment) complicating the
issue further.
58 blocks (137 MTPA) awaiting Environmental

Clearances
Delay in Railway Infrastructure

Railway transports 51% of the coal produced.
Growth of coal production is affected in

7 coal bearing areas of CIL subsidiaries
due to the recent MoEF guidelines on
temporary restrictions (upto August 2010) for
development/expansion of projects in these
areas, as they fall under Critically Polluted
Areas (CEPI score: >=70). The 7 areas are:
Chandrapur, Korba, Singrauli, Jharia, Ib Valley,
Jharsuguda and Raniganj.
Constraint on evacuation of coal due to nonavailability of rakes and wagons.

Infrastructure
Pithead stocks/production rose to 17 per cent
in FY12 from 12 per cent in FY07
300 MTPA production stuck due to lack of rail
connectivity
Rake availability per day for CIL in FY12 was
169 against requirement of 194
Low productivity
Output per man shift: CIL 4.89 tonnes; US
40 tonnes
Low availability and utilisation of equipments;
significantly below norms
Delay in Land Acquisition

Strict rules and regulations with regard to
rehabilitation and resettlement.
Poor quality
70 per cent of coal has ash content exceeding
34 per cent; average gross calorific value of
coal is around 4,500 kcal / kg
Wasteful transportation of ash and other
impurities
Market structure
Bargaining power of Coal India is high accounts for 81 per cent of coal supply
Difficulty in capacity augmentation due to stringent

law / rule imposed by MoEF
Capacity expansion of any project requires
further EC for the expanded capacity from
MoEF, which is also a prolonged process.
This restricts the Company to produce more
coal from a project to achieve the ultimate
target in case where any other unit is failing
due to some unavoidable reasons.
Lack of support from the local administration

and local governments further complicate the
land acquisition process
76 P
Tenancy Land and related R&R issues

Proper rights of records not being available
with State Governments for identification of
land ownership.
Commercial coal mining allowed only for

Government owned companies
Embargo issued in view of new CEPI norms.

Non-Producing Captive Blocks

Among captive blocks allotted: Total 289 coal
blocks allocated till 2013, 47 coal blocks deallocated and 178 net allocated block at the
end of 2012-13.
Power Sector alone has 29 Blocks de-allocated
coal blocks as on February 2014.
Adverse Law and Order situation.
P WERITE 77
BUSINESS BUZZ
BUSINESS BUZZ
Challenges in meeting domestic

demand by Imported coal:

Political
High dependency on foreign country.
Large competition from other Asian countries.
De-allocation of coal blocks.

Technical
Imported coal has different characteristic from
domestic coal. Plant operation/ efficiency will
be suboptimal.
Limited blending possible (sometimes up to
15%)
Coal handling and blending facilities inside

TPP.

Logistics
Port capacities needs enhancement
exporting countries and India
TPPs located away from ports, inland logistics

cost making the project unviable.
Financial
Prices highly dependent upon exchange rate.
(INR has fallen 24% in the last one year)
Recent Development in the Sector

Policy
Modification to new coal distribution policy
(NCDP)
Presidential directive in 2012.
Obliged to provide acertain ascertain quantity
of coal every year.
Competitive Bidding of Coal Block

Amendment to Mines and Minerals (Regulation
& Development) Act, 1957 and Competitive
Bidding Rules 2012.
Bidder with technical and other qualification
that quotes the highest price.
Attempt to make the process more transparent
and efficient.
Foreign Collaboration
To help fill in demand and supply gap through
technological improvement.
Collaborations with countries like France,
Russia, US, Canada, China etc
78 P
WERITE
Put before the Parliament in Coal Mines

(Nationalisation) Amendment Bill, 2000; still
awaiting approval.

Coal De-regulatory authority:

Aim is to regulate and conserve the coal
resource and safeguard interest of consumer
and producer.
E-AUCTION
o
Proposal to allow public undertaking
to sell 10% of their production.
Urgent need to look for sustainable supply of coal.

GoI to take Holistic Approach: Pithead power
plants + Washing of coal & reject based power plant
+ Increased efficiency by railways + Investment in
railway linkages by coal companies
Clarity on policies with regard to environmental
clearance of pit-head projects
Use of washed coal to reduce stress on
transportation as Coal washing reduces the ash content,
improving calorific value of coal 10 per cent
reduction in ash content will reduce volume of
coal transported by ~15 per cent
Free up coal blocks are blocked for State

PSUs, but have not been developed yet and
must be developed through joint venture or
fresh.
Augmenting exploration capacity to ensure
development of Coal Blocks at desired pace.

Coal washing to reduce operating costs for

power plants, primarily through savings in
freight costs
Statutory / Licences
Multiple licenses and application requirement
needs to be simplified.
One single window clearance facility would
speed up the process and help in consistent
decision making
Faster allocation of explored coal blocks.
Participation of PPP model, creating
investment friendly environment ( removing
negative sentiments like Coalgate- CAG- Deallocation etc). Boost investors confidence
and promoting FDI in the sector.
Given constraints in rake availability, this

would ensure more effective utilisation of
available resources
Coal washing would result in annual savings
of Rs. 35-40 billion through reduction in freight
costs
Exploration to augment coal reserves:

Presently exploration only carried on by
government sector enterprises.
Develop new projectsalso Production

Augmentation from existing units
Joint venture / Strategic Alliance
Mining and allied areas
Infrastructure development
To
ensure
that
production
capacity
is complimented by development of
infrastructure facility.
Port, railways, warehousing, other logistics
need to be ramped to support coal supplies.
Improvement in Technology / approach for faster

development of mine Focus on UG mining with State of the Art
technology
in Coal
Key Conclusions

On allotment, have to buy geological

information from the government.
Way Forward / Recommendations

Up-gradation of equipment
PPP Model in development of Mine

Based on other infrastructure sector with
public private partnership model, opening
up of coal sector to private participation is
essential.
Help improve efficiency, productivity and
quality of coal.
Power to determine method and price that is to

be adopted to determine price and allocation
Such variation causes price volatility of coal

and makes it more expensive.
High impact on domestic economy, Current
account deficit.
Public Private Partnership:

In order to facilitate increase in production,
CIL likely to outsource some of its mines to
private players for 10-12 years and nine
member committee constituted to work out
the framework.
Standardize operational norms, establish

benchmarks for productivity and performance.
in
Inland coal movement infrastructure i.e. Rail

and Road capacities needs to be enhanced to
handle additional volume.
CAG audit.
Change in political and financial regime has

huge impact on price

Coal Block De-allocation

Alleged non-transparent allocation of coal
blocks.
In spite of abundant coal reserves, Indias

dependence on coal imports is set to increase
over the next five years.
Delay in clearances, low productivity, poor quality
of coal reserves and transportation bottlenecks
constraining domestic production growth.
Implementation of single window mechanism for
approvals will fast-track the early development of
allotted coal blocks.
The new coal block allocation policy, by mandating
auctioning/payment of reserve price, will improve
production from captive blocks
Coal washing will ensure effective utilisation
of railway infrastructure, while benefitting both
sellers and users of washed coal.
Over the next couple of years, new initiatives like
dedicated freight corridors and inland waterways,
will augment current rail infrastructure, leading to
improved coal supplies.
Supply deficit here to remain to be filled by coal
imports in mid to long term. Both domestic and
imported coal growth needs allied port and
logistics investments.
Industry needs to adjust to expensive coal
Imported and auctioned domestic coal
Sustainable cost pass-through mechanism by
regulator and disciplined tariff apparatus by
discoms
IPPs and end users will continue to scout for
assets overseas, increase blending, and invest in
energy efficiency
New government and its focussed effort in this key
sector.
Indian Railways, port authority and the industry
need to work in close collaboration to plan
development of infrastructural facilities as per
requirements.
Roshan Agrawal [EPMPL Mum-Kurla]
Use of washed coal to improve profitability

of power plants located beyond 500 km
drastically.
Freight savings to improve IRRs of plants
located 1000 kms from pithead by 250-300
basis points
P WERITE 79
BUSINESS BUZZ
BUSINESS BUZZ
Embracing Technology
Cooled Condensers at Essar Power Jharkhand Limited, Tori
Reach Out Far and Beyond

Essar Power Canada Limited
t was a pleasant and chilly morning of January in

Jamnagar. Unlike other days, this morning was
providing automated relaxation to the mind and soul.
The reason was obvious. Successful commissioning of
worlds first coal based power plant for refinery was a
feat that would always remain in the annals of corporate
history. Urgency from Mumbai headquarters receded to
the background.
Indeed a day of celebration and positive attitude
of the Powerite that made things possible on ground.
I still remember that the senior authorities in Mumbai
entrusted the responsibility to Mr. K.B.Makadia for the
identification of competent and eligible expert for Essar
Power Canada (EPC), an 85MW cogeneration captive
power plant in Sault Ste Marie, far North from Toronto.
Little was heard about the place.
ssar
Power
(Jharkhand)
Limited,
the
subsidiary
responsible for the power
business arm, will be one of the
most valuable asset for the coal
fired independent power plant at
Chandwa. This new unit presently
under construction at Tori signify its
intent, as innovative and focused
player, which seeks to overcome
the industry common challenges
associated with domestic coal
block, imported coal restriction and
interim fuel arrangement.
Tori project is not only one of
the special power plants of Essar,
but also the biggest and most
ambitious projects to date. It is
being developed in two phases,
Tori I & Tori II, as three units of
600MW each. The development is
located in Eastern Indias state of
Jharkhand in the Latehar district
and is expected to be completed
by the end of December 2016.
The project is being implemented
through wholly owned subsidiary
Essar Power (Jharkhand).
DRYCOOLING
The
development
has
been unique in its approach to
environmental
consideration,
80 P
WERITE
and
with
the
requirement
of
almost
489
hectares of land for
all three-unit, this
has been no easy
task. Originally on
completion, Essar
had
expected
the total project cost to reach
approximately
Rs.57
billion,
but in order to eliminate certain
challenges associated with water
use, Essar decided to undertake
one of the most ambitious air cooled
condensing systems that the power
industry in India, and the world has
ever seen.
This will impact the capital
project costs, but will result in
dramatically reduced operating
costs, as Essar will need to
purchase
significantly
less
quantity of water than previously
expected. The cooling system
is being sourced from quality
Chinese system supplier Harbin Air
Conditioning, who have amassed
much experienced on the global
stage for arrange of differing cooling
systems and requirements. The Tori
project did have approvals to draw
processing and cooling water from
City of Sault Ste. Marie is as strange as its

pronunciation where Sault is Soo, Ste. Is Saint.
and Marie is Mari. You cannot make out from the
pronunciation and need to Google it out to avoid the
embarrassment of not knowing where you are flying to.
And, as to be experienced later, a city of extreme winter,
the Amanat and Damodar Rivers.

However, it was decided that to
mitigate risk concerned with water
availability, undertaking such an
innovation with direct air cooling
on this scale would ultimately be a
long-term benefit. Economic impact
of the system adoption is still under
evaluation.
Essar had received approval
for the use of 2,461m3/hr from the
Amanat River and 5,593 m3/hr from
Damodar River, as per consent
on February 2008. The Amanat
River approval was sufficient to
meet the water needs of the first
unit of 600MW, whereas the water
allotment from Damodar River
portion would be responsible for the
remaining capacity. However with
the adaptation of ACC the water
requirement for all the three units
will be 850m3/hr.
Sanjeev Shekhar, Shailendra Saha [EPJL Tori]
Essar Steel Blast Furnace
P WERITE 81
BUSINESS BUZZ
where temperature drops to -350C and snow can build
up to 5-feet, not a pleasant surprise for the ones, who
are used to live in +350C.
Essar Power Canada (EPC) was commissioned in
June 2009, a unique kind of a captive power plant was
brought to fore by Mr. Inder Kapoor.
It was built to run on the waste gases mainly
Blast Furnace Gas (BFG) and Coke Oven Gas (COG)
generated by the Essar Steel Algoma, which was taken
over by Essar in 2007-08. EPC consists of two boilers
of 371 LBS/HR (168 TPH) generating steam at 1494 PSI
(105 Kg/Cm2) and 10050F (5400C). Many measurements
are still on Imperial Units. It takes time to get used to it
for someone, who works on SI units. Steam turbine is
of 105 MW capacity with two controlled extraction of
400 PSI and 150 PSI. Power generation is limited by the
boiler capacity, which is again limited by the availability
of waste gases from steel.
BUSINESS BUZZ
was not able to maintain the vacuum. Many exercises
have been done in past with OEM of STG, OEMs of
Ejector System and other consultant to correct the same
but issue could not be resolved.
After detailed study of the issue and analysis, finally
Alpesh identified the problem in ejector drain trap
system and suggested to divert the Inter condenser
drain water to condenser though U-loop Seal. Eureka!
Problem, which could not be resolved for five years and
by many experts has been resolved by a young Powerite
from India in less than two months time.
Condenser Vacuum After Correction
EPC is unique in two ways, one by its PPA and

second by its erection method.
Though EPC is a CPP to Steel, it has a PPA with
Ontario Power Authority (OPA), regulatory authority
for power in province of Ontario in Canada. This PPA
is for 20 years, which could be extended further for 30
more years with 5-year agreement each time. PPA is
to supply 63 MW into the grid for 16 hours a day. For
the ease of operation, this was spread over 24 hours
with final generation target of 57 MW considering the
auxiliary power and 25% cap to supply excess power
than contracted. Power Generation is strictly on waste
gases with exceptional use of NG up to maximum 25%
of yearly energy consumed.
It is also unique in the way EPC receives its revenue.
For each unit supplied by EPC into the grid, there is a
fixed price with an inbuilt component to take care of the
inflation. Out of this fixed price, part of the revenue is
paid by steel based on the Hourly Ontario Energy Price
(HOEP), balance is being paid by the OPA to EPC. PPA
is a part of promoting the generation of clean energy
under the Combined Heat and Power (CHP) programme
promoted by OPA and requires EPC to supply 15% of
the thermal energy in terms of extraction steam to steel
on a yearly basis.
Both boilers were shop assembled and then
transported to the site. Quite unusual for such a capacity
to do so with shipping weight of 430 tonnes for each
boiler.
Coming back to the call again, Mr. Alpesh Kasundra
DGM VPCL Operation, who had adequate experience
and skill on steam turbine and led the team for
commissioning of 500 MW coal based power plant was
identified and sent to Canada in February 13 to solve
the misery of falling vacuum in condenser.
Since commissioning condenser vacuum was being
maintained by hogger ejector, as holding ejector alone
82 P
WERITE
Winter View outside Guest House

of all types of steam including steam through let down station directly from
boiler. This hurts EPC in two ways,
13 to 20 KPA fluctuating vacuum became stable at 7
KPA immediately, and remained maintained with holding
ejector only. Gain in efficiency of 3.5% and approximate
3.5 MW additional power generation with same quantity
of steam inlet was achieved, resulting in revenue of INR
20 cr per annum.
After this, it was felt strongly that time has come to
take over the management and operational control of
this power asset, which was on the backburner for many
years due to its remoteness. In line with this decision,
completely new organisational structure has been
devised with COO as plant head under the leadership of
CEO International Business, Mr. Inder Kapoor.
Two more major O & M breakthrough came when I
visited the plant in November 13 and then in March 14.
First, in terms of finding the root cause and suggesting
the solution for distressing issue of alarming vibration in
STG, and another in terms of supply of 600# steam to
steel.
Vibration of the STG was in the alarming range
right from the commissioning, and tried to rectify with
generator rotor replacement in October 12, without
complete success. After studying and analysing the
reports and the data, I concluded that the vibration issue
was due to misalignment of the coupling holes and could
be rectified with enlargement of the holes. Findings have
been validated by the vibration measurement by GE and
necessary correction has been planned in November 14
shutdown.
As mentioned earlier, we are bound to supply 15%
steam to steel, which was being interpreted as supply
1) It reduces power generation and hence loss of revenue.

2) If waste gases are not available then this steam will be supplied by
using NG at a cost.
The point was discussed with the steel management and was agreed
upon that EPC will not supply 600# steam except in case of emergencies.
With the inclusion

of Powerites in the
management and
operation team many
more improvements
came in terms of
operational efficiency,
reliability on maintenance
and most important of
all adding the Never
Say Die attitude of the
Powerites who always
believes in proactive
approach rather than
reactive one.
With the inclusion of Powerites in the management and operation team ,

many more improvements came in terms of operational efficiency, reliability
on maintenance and most important of all adding of the Never Say Die
attitude of the Powerites, who always believes in proactive approach rather
than reactive one. For a plant dependent on0 generation only ,its a major
boost and a ray of hope that there will be a solution to every problem.
Story does not end here, as there are many more challenges lying
ahead in terms of setting up new management and operation team fulfilling
all statutory requirements of Canada. It is a challenge to maintain the EBITA
of 35 Mn $, where your fortunes are tied up on performance of steel. It is a
challenge to control the cost with ever increasing fuel and manpower cost.
Another challenge was to take control of asset, which was operated for so
long by others.
Challenges were similar to the ones faced in establishing VPCL at
Vadinar location. Good exposure was acquired in the process on creating
your own space without breaking the synergy with the bigger group. It was
the mentorship and guidance of Mr. Makadia, which gave me the confidence
to make the difference and reach out far and beyond.
Hurdles are many but I am sure with the able guidance of the top
leadership and mentoring of Mr. Reddy, Mr. Anil Matoo and Mr.Inder Kapoor
we will attain new heights of excellence.
As it was said by our beloved Mr. Shashi Ruia, Every End is a Beginning
of a New Journey soLets Begin.
Snehal Pandya, [EPCL Canada]
WERITE 83
BUSINESS BUZZ
BUSINESS BUZZ
Steady & Strong
Essar Power Orissa Limited
ssar Power is a major contributor of Essar Energy

and one of Indias leading private power producer.
Essar Power Orissa Ltd (EPORL) contributes 120
MW of total 7470 MW under construction. EPORL is
establishing CPP of capacity 4 X 30 MW to Essar Steel
India Ltd in two phases at Paradeep.
Lube Oil Flushing completed on 18th Mar14
It (Paradeep) is an Industrial belt with diverse field

and EPORL is a leading power player in this area.
Essar Power is able to provide secure and stable
Power to its steel unit.
Detailed Engineering was
designed by TCS with the support of ESSAR Engineering
Service Division and procurement was done by Global
sourcing. Construction of project is carried out by
Essar Projects India Ltd. ESSAR Power team was
mobilized from the very beginning and contributed as
a part of PMC, quality and to meet the operational and
maintenance requirement from time to time.
The project was started with minimum engineers
and now reached up to 47 employees during its
commissioning period. A team of young engineers
driven by experienced departmental heads and expertise
of O&M Head, Deputy Plant Head and Project Head led
to the successful commissioning.
Overcoming all the geographical hurdles, EPORL
is accomplishing near completion of first unit. Among
the four units, Phase-I comprises of two units. Presently
Unit-I and common services erection work is getting
completed and commissioning activities has started in
most of the areas. ESSAR Power has started establishing
its permanent setup currently. Employees office room,
conference hall and permanent LAN connectivity was
made available. Construction of boundary walls and
securing the boundaries with deployment of private
security forces are on track.
The following are the major commissioning activities
achieved during this year,
DM Plant commissioned on 15th April14
Capacity of DM Plant is 12 cum/hr with two steams and
now single stream is in process. Generation of 80 cum
per day is achieved.
Commissioning of high velocity water spray (hvws) system1
Story of Achievements: Captive Power Plant

Lube Oil flushing successfully achieved till 25microns
mesh as suggested by OEM and circulation of Lube oil
was made with AOP pump with specification of 1200 lit
per min. Prior to start of Lube oil flushing acid pickling
was completed
The CPP, Vizag achieved 3617 LTI free days till FY

2013-14. This reiterates our commitment towards safety and
truly demonstrating that we are putting Safety first. It has become
possible because we are mainly focused on hazard identification,
incident management and adhering to other best HSE practises.
Chemical cleaning of Pre & Post Boiler on 16 May15

Chemical cleaning of Pre and Post Boiler piping was
carried with Ammoniated citric acid solution and flushing
with DM water. Finally, the pipe line was passivized with
hydrazine and ammonia solution.
DCS system charged on 26 Feb14
System and Marshaling cubicles of Unit I and common
system was charged. Loop checking, interlock and
protection checking started. Communication established
between Operator station, Servers, Engineering station,
system controller and IO cords.
In the journey of continual operation of CPP with the strong

commitment, dedication and collective team work of CPP
achieved many mile stones.
th
CEI Generation clearance received on 17th Mar

Clearance from Chief Electrical Inspector (Generation) is
received for energizing 220 kV Switch yard. Agreement
for Switchyard charging is in final stage and Charging is
expected in the first week of June.
Refractory Applied To Boiler

Bed Coils To Improve The Life
We achieved highest yearly plant availability 99.86 %

for FY 2013-14 (previous highest 97.58% in FY10-11). We
accomplished second highest yearly generation 204.20 MU
(previous first highest 209.56 MU in FY12-13).
Before Application
Of Refractory
Consent to Operate received on 18th Dec 2013

CTO was granted by State Pollution Control Board and
is under extension.
Other commissioning activities achieved are as follows:
AMF & NEDB panel charged.
Emergency DG set commissioned
Re-hydro Test of Unit #1 & and piping completed.
Power on of Turbo supervisory panel in Central Control

Room
CW makeup, Fire hydrant diesel pump and
miscellaneous pumps commissioned
Raw water inlet and clarified water storage tank
commissioned.
We have taken the following measures for reducing the unit cost;
Procuring large coal consignments saved approximately

Rs.155 lakhs for each shipment
Blending of low cost WARA coal with enviro coal within PCB
limits
Reduction in water cost achieved by maximum using of
filtrate water instead of municipal water
Rs.37.0 crores was saved for grid fuel surcharge adjustment
realization because of CPP generation during that period.
We explored the feasibility of utilization of fly ash for brick
manufacturing, thereby saving approx. 34.0 lakhs per year.
Weigh bridge commissioned
Water charging of switchyard loop completed.
Oil Heating System With Steam Is Commissioned

At Cpp For Lshs Oil Tankers Heating
At Vizag, we are following stringent enforceability of

performance parameters of equipments and adopting modern
methods for improving plant reliability like applying the refractory
to boiler bed coils, which increases the life of the bed coils.
We have given priority to training and job rotation. We have
conducted total 32 knowledge sharing sessions internally for the
FY 2013-14. We achieved approximately 20 % of job rotation for
the FY 2013-14.This year, we got five BOE certificatesfor our
engineers and two energy auditor certificates.
Raghava Rao, [EPOrL Vizag]
NSPBD panel charged.
WERITE
VIZAG
he captive power plant of 25 MW at Vizag is the first coal

based power plant in Essar group.
th
Remote IO panel of ESP charged
84 P
Commissioning Of High Velocity Water Spray (Hvws) System2
Santosh Thatte, [EPOrL Paradeep]
WERITE 85
MY SPACE
MY
SPACE
PHOTOGRAPHS BY prem kumar, [ EPMPL]
Lens of
Powerite
86 P
WERITE
P WERITE 87
MY SPACE
88 P
WERITE
MY SPACE
PHOTOGRAPHS BY aNUPAM XESS, [ vpcl]
P WERITE 89
MY SPACE
MY SPACE
prem kumar,[epmpl]
prem kumar, [epmpl]
, [epmpl]
prem kumar
, [epol]
Rajan Vinoth
PHOTOGRAPHS BY Bhavesh Champaneri, [ epgl]
90 P
WERITE
, [epol]
Rajan Vinoth
POrtraits
of Powerite
P WERITE 91
Making
Headlines
92 P
WERITE
You too can be

a part of our honeycomb...
Send in your contributions to
P WERITE 93
93
94 P
WERITE

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P

Ashok Singh EPOL

Message from KVB Reddy,

Nilesh Dave EPGL

Message from Anil Matoo...............................5

Shailendra Saha - EPJL

Sanjeev Shekhar - EPJL

In Conversation with Ramesh Kumar,

Essar Bags The Gold Award for Technology

POWER VITALIZING EVENTS

One-on-One with T.S. Bhatt,

In my View: K.B. Makadia,

Townhall: Opening the Doors of Communication............................. 27

Knowledge Circle: Share, Learn & Grow........................................... 29

Aagman: Integrating You into the Essar Way of Life........................ 26

My India, My Pride: Essar Power

Bol Bindass: Where Every Voice Counts........................................... 30

Dance, Dandiya, Lights & Lanterns

Coffee with CEO/HEad: Brewing Sustainable Relationships........... 32

Christmas: the Season of Red........ 44

Genexpress: Connecting with Power Youth...................................... 31

Celebrating Woman Power............. 45

Sparsh: Dialogue with Senior Leaders.............................................. 34

Splendid Splash of Colours

Time out with Team............................................................................ 36

A Journey towards Success: Essar Power Gujarat Limited............ 50

Accolades received by Essar Power................................................ 54

Meet Saurav Srivastava,

Launch of Company regulations for PT MBL,

Meet Arun Kumar,

The Role of Tariff in the Power Sector.............................................. 61

Highlights of the Essar Power MP Ltd Operations.......................... 58

Message from KVB Reddy,

This expanded capacity

Message from Anil Matoo

am delighted to bring to you the new issue of PoweritE,

elcome to the issue of PoweritE 2014, our in-house

Essar Power has an operating capacity of 3910 MW

From a business perspective, we have witnessed

This would have been achieved despite the turbulent

Recently, Essar Power has bagged the Gold Award for

Essar Power has bagged

Essar Power Hazira

Algoma Power Plant

Mahan I ( Unit II)

Vadinar Power - Jamnagar (120 MW)

Bhander Power - Hazira (500 MW)

Essar Steel and other Essar Affiliated Companies

Algoma Power Plant - Canada (85 MW)

Vadinar P1- Gujarat (380 MW)

Salaya I - Gujarat (1,200 MW)

Vadinar P2 - Gujarat (510 MW)

Mahan I - Madhya Pradesh (Unit I - 600

Coal for the plant will be supplied from the Mahan

Hazira II - Gujarat (270 MW)

Paradip - Orissa (120 MW)

Tori I - Jharkhand (1,200 MW)

Tori II - Jharkhand (600 MW)

The Mahan I power plant is a 1,200 MW (2x600 MW)

Mahan Coal Block

Amelia Coal Mine

Ashok Karkata Coal Block