Waste Heat Recovery in Thermal Power Plants What You Should Know
                     Waste Heat Recovery in 
Thermal Power Plants: 
What You Should Know
As India continues to advance its 
In recent years, there has industrial growth, the role of 
been a growing emphasis on thermal power plants becomes 
energy optimisation and increasingly important. These 
reducing emissions, which facilities are responsible for a 
has led to increased interest substantial portion of the 
in waste heat recovery country’s electricity generation. 
technologies. This approach However, they also produce 
significant amounts of unused 
not only enhances energy 
heat energy, which is released 
efficiency but also supports into the atmosphere. To address 
environmental sustainability this issue, Waste Heat Recovery 
efforts. Around the globe, (WHR) has emerged as a viable 
various countries are solution. This strategy aims to 
implementing these capture and utilise the excess 
technologies, including thermal energy, thereby 
leading thermal power compa improving plant efficiency, 
nies in India lowering emissions, and reducing 
. fuel costs.
Why Waste Heat 
Matters
In a standard coal-fired power plant, only about 35–45% of the energy 
from the fuel is transformed into electricity. At the same time, the 
remainder is lost as waste heat through various sources, including 
exhaust gases and cooling systems. To enhance energy efficiency, 
technologies such as economisers, Heat Recovery Steam Generators 
(HRSG), and Organic Rankine Cycles (ORC) can be employed. These 
advancements allow plants to capture and reuse a significant portion of 
this lost energy. The benefits of implementing these technologies include 
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fdoer cmreeaestiendg  ceanrebrogny  fdoeomtparnindts.  and environmental standards, which is 
particularly important as India advances towards more sustainable and 
intelligent power generation.
Key Hurdles and 
Progress Path
Despite its clear advantages, implementing waste heat recovery in 
any thermal power plant in India does come with challenges. The 
initial investment cost can be high, especially for retrofitting older 
plants. There is also a need for technical know-how and regular 
maintenance to ensure optimal functioning of the recovery 
systems.
However, the long-term economic and environmental benefits 
outweigh the initial costs. With government incentives, public-
private partnerships, and policy support, the adoption rate is 
expected to rise. Additionally, increasing awareness among 
stakeholders and energy managers is likely to accelerate the shift.
Waste Heat 
Recovery 
Technologies
Technology Function Efficiency Impact
1.Heat exchangers 1.Preheat feedwater or 1.Boost plant efficiency 
(economisers, air, combustion air using by 1-4% cost savings 
preheaters) flue gas and CO₂ reduction
2.HRSG 2.Capture turbine 2.Enables combined 
3.ORC & Kalina cycles exhaust heat to cycle configurations 
generate steam for with 10-30% efficiency 
added power gains
3.Use an organic 3.Provide viable WHR 
mixture to generate even at moderate 
power from a lower exhaust temperatures
temperature waste
India’s Need for 
Heat Recovery
India is home to one of the largest networks of thermal power plants 
globally. With coal being the dominant fuel source, the need to 
reduce emissions while improving efficiency has become critical. 
According to recent energy reports, waste heat recovery can 
increase overall plant efficiency by up to 10%, a significant figure 
considering the scale at which these plants operate.
Many of the major power plant manufacturers in India have started 
recognising the value of investing in waste heat recovery solutions. 
These measures align with India’s broader goals of transitioning 
toward cleaner energy while meeting the soaring energy demands of 
a growing population.
Spotlight on Final Word
JinSdpoatlli gIhntd oina J iPndoawl er 
India Power Ltd Waste heat recovery (WHR) plays a Ltd critical role in enhancing the efficiency of thermal power plants in 
India. By implementing WHR 
A shining example of forward- technology, these plants can 
thinking is effectively capture and utilise excess 
Jindal India Power Ltd, operating a heat that would otherwise be wasted, 
effectively adding a new layer of 
1,200 MW coal-based facility at energy production at no additional 
Angul, Odisha. Since commissioning cost. This approach not only reduces 
carbon emissions but also 
in 2015, JIPL has prioritised contributes to improved energy 
sustainability: adopting zero- security. In this way, WHR transforms 
discharge operations, minimising inefficiencies into valuable 
opportunities for sustainable energy 
auxiliary consumption, and delivering management.
a top-tier station heat rate. 
Thank 
You