Power generation from waste heat in India

The project in India effectively uses waste heat to generate 15 MW of electricity that would otherwise have been obtained from coal-based fuels by burning fossil fuels. The electricity is generated by first producing steam using the waste heat contained in the exhaust gases of an iron furnace and is mainly used to meet the Shyam DRI plant's own needs. Besides reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the project contributes to sustainable development and ensures sustainable industrial growth by conserving natural resources. The project also provides social benefits by creating employment opportunities for the local population. The economic benefit lies primarily with the state, which can generate income from the production activity and benefits through the purchase of materials for project implementation through taxes. However, the main objective of the project is to protect the environment, which is effectively protected from thermal pollution.

India's renewable energy capacity has grown 286 percent in the past 7.5 years to more than 151.4 gigawatts, including hydropower. This represents about 39 percent of total capacity. Wind capacity accounts for 40.08 GW of this total, which is the third-largest share of total installed renewable energy capacity after solar capacity and large hydropower plants.Even though the use of climate-friendly energy sources has increased significantly since 2014, renewable energy is still far from being able to meet the needs of the population. Coal-fired power therefore remains an important component of India's energy supply and continues to have a future in India. Currently, 281 coal-fired power plants are still in operation, and another 28 are under construction. Nevertheless, the government has plans: by 2030, projected carbon emissions are to be reduced by one billion tons, and the goal of net zero CO₂ emissions is to be achieved by 2070.

Waste heat is generated as a by-product in most technical plants. Power plants, engines and machines, biogas plants and data centres as well as air conditioning systems or cooling devices generate heat. This is usually simply radiated into the environment or, in some cases, must be removed at great expense to prevent the equipment from overheating. This in turn has negative consequences for the environment, for example when the cooling water from a power plant heats up a nearby river. By using the excess waste heat, businesses and industrial plants can reduce energy consumption and pollutant emissions. Energy costs are reduced and CO₂ emissions are spared. Examples of uses for waste heat include heating living and working spaces, heating service water or generating cooling and electricity.

The project is located in the state of Orissa in India, more specifically in the village of Pandloi & Nishanbanga P.O. Lapanga/ Rengali in the Sambalpur District. Here you can find the location on the map.