The retrofit will extend the unit's life by 25 years, and it restored its output back to its original capacity of 200 MW. Final tests at Ukai's plant displayed more efficient operations that will help the plant reduce its coal consumption by more than 140,000 tons per year and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 180,000 tons per year. The emissions reduction will provide environmental benefits equal to the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) absorbed by approximately 732 square kilometers of forest per year (an area 35 percent bigger than the Corbett National Park) or equivalent to 162,000 Indian cars being taken off the road. In addition, reducing coal consumption will result in approximately US$7 million savings for the utility every year.

This project is a first-of-its-kind shaftline retrofit for BHEL 200-MW class units in India and is aimed at increasing power, efficiency and reliability while also reducing emissions. Earlier this year, GE announced it would help NTPC Limited, India's largest utility, to modernize three 200-MW Ansaldo steam turbines with ASP technology at the Ramagundam station. The upgrades will increase turbine output and improve efficiency and flexibility. Upgrade projects like these will better position the country to meet future energy demands and challenges including backing up renewables—in the New Policies Scenario, electricity demand will more than triple in the next two decades, rising by 4.9 percent per year on average from 900 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2013 to almost 3,300 TWh by the end of 2040.

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