Essar Power Hazira Limited (EPHL), one of prime assets under Essar Global Fund Limited’s (EGFL) Power portfolio and the bellwether among the independent power producers in India, has achieved yet another milestone in its illustrious journey. EPHL has completed five years of its successful commercial operations at full capacity on November 22, 2021.
The Unit 2, which was synchronised at 01:01 hrs on November 19, 2016, in a record 53 days from IBR certification to synchronisation, was declared for commercial operations on November 21, 2016. As the units were stabilised and operated over the days, it proved to be a reliable and cost effective source of power to the then Essar Steel India Ltd (now known as Arcelor Mittal Nippon Steel India Ltd [AMNS]).
EPHL has always put its best foot forward when it comes to environmental initiatives, keeping in line with EGFL’s Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) philosophy. The company is helping AMNS reduce dependence on external power, and also consumes the waste byproducts of the steel plant like Corex Coal fines, and Corex gas. Hence, EPHL is also known as a ‘Waste to Energy Power Plant’.
The use of Corex gas helps the steel plant to avoid flaring the gas when it cannot be fully consumed, and utilises the coal fines, thereby reducing greenhouse emissions.
ESG-Centric Initiatives
EPHL commissioned Scrubber and Eco-Sewage Treatment Plant in line with its commitment towards environment and sustainable business practices. In the plant’s 5-year journey, it carried out several energy conservation projects to bring down the auxiliary power consumption below 9%.
The plant also has set high levels of standards in HSE, water and energy conservation, and O&M practices. It was ISO 14001, and 45001 certified in 2018. The plant has also received several awards from reputed organisations such as CII, Greentech, APEX, FAME, PHD Chamber and Mission Energy in various areas such as HSE, Water and Energy Conservation, and Human Resource from time to time. In addition to the above awards and recognition, EPHL also achieved ESG Certification from M/s TUV in consultation with M/s DQS, and has become the first company in EGFL to publish first ESG Report.
In the wake of the Covid-19 worldwide crisis, EPHL organised Covid-19 vaccination camps for not just employees, but also contract workers and their family, to ensure 100% vaccination in our fight against Covid-19. As a responsible corporate citizen, it also launched many community initiatives for the benefit and empowerment of people around the site area.
Essar Power commissions its first flue gas scrubber to reduce Sulphur emissions by 25%
Essar Power commissions ECOSTP for water conservation at Hazira
Key Achievements
EPHL reached 300 MW on 30th November 2016, and has consistently performed at contracted capacity most of the time. It reached a highest monthly average generation of 294.4 MW in June 2018.
Since Unit II commissioning, EPHL has shown robust financial performance. In FY 2020-21, it achieved EBIDTA of Rs.325 crores and PAT of Rs.128 crores. The company’s debt has reduced by 45% from the peak level. Recently, CARE has upgraded the company’s credit rating to “A-/Stable” and further improvement in rating is expected during the next financial year.
EPHL stats since 22.11.2016
| Generation | 11,175 MU |
| Availability | 94.7% |
| Reliability | 99.2% |
| PLF | 94.4% |
| Average Operating Load | 276 MW |
As EPHL crosses the 5-year milestone, it will continue its efforts towards sustainable and environmental friendly power production. The company has been actively working towards minimising air pollutant emissions, maximizing water conservation, driving natural resource conservation, etc. Keeping benchmarked ESG principles at its core, EPHL is poised for more milestones and achievements in the future.