POWER

COGENERATION CAPACITY     :     145 MW

                           (80 MW GRID INTERACTIVE)

Bagasse, the residual fiber of sugarcane after crushing and extraction, is a valuable by-product generated during the sugar manufacturing process. It has high calorific value and is therefore used to generate steam and thereby electricity, which is a conventional thermal alternative and eliminates emission of green house gases.

In 1994, Dhampur was the first sugar company in India to start eco-friendly cogeneration at one of it’s units, with a low project outlay as compared to conventional power plants. Conventionally, this was restricted to providing captive power in order to meet the energy requirements of the sugar factory. However, Dhampur was one of the first to realize the tremendous potential it had towards reducing the power deficit, by supplying to the grid, thereby contributing to the bio-energy effort undertaken by the country.

An additional benefit of using bagasse is that it is a renewable source of fuel and does not contribute to Greenhouse gasses as the sugarcane plantation consumes more carbon dioxide than that generated in burning bagasse. Today, the Group’s combined co-generation capacity stands at 145 MW with 80 MW of grid interactive power.

Dhampur is the first in the world to install 105 kg.cm² boiler and turbine in its sugar division, which has increased efficiencies in bagasse usage and made it perhaps the most efficient cogeneration unit in the world. Dhampur additionally installed energy saving devices which would further increase bagasse savings. This saving would enable the company to run its power plants without external bagasse purchases. Power generation in non-sugar season as well, will result in consistent cash inflows.

Dhampur was the first sugar company in Uttar Pradesh, which was allowed export of power under ‘Open Access’ (during off-season), from 1^st October, 2009, resulting in higher realizations.