Some of the questions raised about the 2×660 MW Maitree Super Thermal Power Project at Rampal. Environmentalists have raised this question. The Power plant authorities have responded to this question. The answer to the question is highlighted for Energy Bangla readers.
Here are a couple of answers to the question of authority.
Q1. Is SCR (Selective Catalyst Reactor) or some other low NOx technology being used to reduce NOx emission?
pp Authority Ans. Yes, BIFPCL is using an alternative proven technology to SCR for reduction of NOx emission. Maitree STPP will have low NOx emission (within the limit specified by International standards) by dint of this advanced technology adopted in boiler.
This will be achieved by controlling the combustion in such a manner that it results in low NOx generation. BIFPCL in Maitree STPP shall be utilizing French technology in the Boiler design to achieve this objective. In addition to this a low NOx burner of proven design will be used which will further reduce the NOx generation.
Q2. Which technology will be used to reduce SOx emission?
Ans. Wet Limestone, Forced Oxidation type FGD system with very high efficiency shall be used to remove SO2 from flue gas. High purity (>95%) limestone shall be used by BIFPCL in FGD to make it more effective in SO2 reduction.
Low sulfur coal will be used which ab initio will check SOx formation. Besides modern Japanese technology based Flue Gas De-sulphurization system (FGD) will be used to strip off the flue gas of SO2.
Q3. Is the plant designed with ESP (Electro Static precipitator) or other means to reduce emission of Solid Particulate Matter?
Ans. Yes the plant has been designed with highly efficient Electro Static Precipitator of latest proven technology for limiting Solid Particulate Matter (SPM) emission to less than 50mg/NM3 at the outlet of ESP, which is much lower than allowable standard.
Q4. Will Hg removal technology be used for this plant?
Ans. Yes, the FGD with modern wet limestone technology itself will serve the purpose of Hg removal. In addition to that, part of Hg will be absorbed in ash as normal phenomena. Both bottom ash and fly ash will be collected in dry form and will be sold to ash utility companies.
Q5. Is there Effluent treatment plant before discharging of liquid?
Ans. Yes, modern and multi stage effluent treatment plant is envisaged in this project.
Water from various sources inside the plant shall be treated and monitored to meet the international effluent norms before disposal into the Possur river.
The effluents from various sources in the plant shall be treated for polluting components to make the water safer i.e neutral water having pH around 7. The effluents shall be disposed fully according to the stringent IFC effluent guidelines.
Q6. Is there provision to dispose ash in dry form?
Ans. Yes, 100% ash, both bottom ash and fly ash, will be collected in dry form.
This is one of the most modern plants across the world where latest dry bottom ash collection technology and system will be used to avoid effect on environment. Dry ash will be sold to ash utility companies.
Further, it may be noted that Expression of Interest to buy dry ash from our plant has been received from Cement companies across various parts of Bangladesh. It is found that demand of dry ash by the ash utility companies from our plant is more than 100%.
Q7. Is there online monitoring system for emission?
Ans. Yes, there will be Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) for online monitoring of various parameter of flue gas like flue gas temperature, NOx, SOx, O2 and Oxide of Carbon etc. It will Monitor, track and analyze the plant emissions, assessed via the CEMS system in real time.
Q8. Is there any provision to reduce thermal effect on marine life nearby the plant?
Ans. Yes, due care in design has been taken so that there is no thermal effect on marine life nearby the plant.
Total water requirement for this plant is only 0.05% of lean flow period in the leanest season, through Possur River. Hence the quantum of water being discharged is negligible (like “a drop in the pond”).
A closed cycle cooling water system is envisaged. That means quantity of discharge water to river is much less. Further, water from plant will be treated in Effluent Treatment plant and quality of water will be monitored at central monitoring basin before discharging to river. Temperature of discharge water shall never be more than two degree Centigrade (2OC) above river water temperature at the edge of mixing zone which is as per stringent IFC norms.
Q9. Will there be provision to reduce effect on surrounding environment due to coal transportation and unloading?
Ans. Yes, due consideration has been taken to carry out coal transportation for the project in an environment friendly manner.
Imported coal will be shipped through the existing maritime channel of Mongla Port Authority in Possur river. Daily requirement of coal is estimated to be 12000Ton. BIFPCL plans to use upto 12000Ton size modern sea-worthy vessel (“mini-ship”), tailor made as per IMO classifying norms, environmental friendly and designed for zero effluent discharge, low SOx emission, low noise pollution, night vision and GPS. Coal will be transported through covered hatches in such mini ships upto jetty.
Coal will be unloaded at site jetty by Grab type environment friendly unloader. The coal conveyors shall be enclosed type. Further, there would be water sprinkler, de-dusting system to prevent pollution. Further coal will then be stored in a fully covered coal stock yard.
Hence, there will be no effect on surrounding environment due to coal transportation and unloading.
Q10. Has the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study during pre-construction stage been displayed publicly?
Ans. Yes, the EIA study conducted for the project has been disclosed with public/stakeholders on several occasions and the report is accessible to all for ready reference.
During the EIA Study a number of Public consultation meeting were arranged through Stakeholder meeting, Focus Group discussion, etc. The outcome of the EIA Study has been disclosed in local level (Rampal Upazila) and National level (Dhaka). Moreover, EIA study is available in BIFPCL web-site (https//bifpcl.com) which is accessible to public. Quarterly environmental monitoring plan is also available in BIFPCL web-site.