Merits and Demerits of Thermal Power Plant

Merits and Demerits of Thermal Power Plant

Advantages and Disadvantages of Thermal Power Plant

Merits :

1. Initial cost is cheaper in comparison with other plants.
2. Less space is required in comparison with hydro power plant.
3. Coal is cheaper in comparison with diesel or nuclear fuel.
4. Production cost is cheaper than diesel power plant.
5. Can be installed anywhere as compared with hydro plant when plenty of water shall be available.
6. Can be located near load centre which is not possible in hydro plants.
7. Steam engines/turbines can be overloaded upto 125% full load capacity.
8. Load demand can be met (changing demand) easily.

Demerits :

1. Operating cost and maintenance cost is very high as compared with hydro plants.
2. Coal handling, ash disposal is difficult.
3. Pollution due to heat, smoke, ash.
4. Water-requirement to produce steam is much more.
5. Erection time is much more.
6. Initiation time is also more (plant to put for production).
7. Overall efficiency is less.