New Delhi: Tata Power has successfully restored Unit 5 with a capacity of 500 MW at its Trombay Thermal Power Station within a record time of four months after a fire incident in the cable vault on September 23, 2024. The restoration was completed within four months from the date of order placement, ensuring the unit’s timely return to operation ahead of the summer season.
The fire incident had temporarily disrupted operations, but Tata Power’s Trombay team, in coordination with fire safety authorities, managed to contain the fire quickly, assess the damage, and execute a restoration plan to minimize disruption to power supply. The successful restoration reinforces Trombay’s role in maintaining Mumbai’s power grid stability.
Commissioned in 1956, the Trombay Plant has been central to Mumbai’s power infrastructure, starting with the city’s first thermal power station of 62.5 MW capacity. The plant expanded between 1960 and 1997 with the addition of eight more units, playing a crucial role in supporting Mumbai’s energy security during power-related exigencies. Unit 5 remains India’s first 500 MW multi-fuel generating unit, necessitating the construction of a 150-meter-high chimney, which was a record at the time.
Trombay Thermal Power Station currently has an installed capacity of 930 MW, providing power to a diverse consumer base, including bulk and retail segments. In addition to Unit 5, other operational units at Trombay, along with Tata Power’s three legacy hydroelectric power plants with a combined installed capacity of 447 MW in the region, contribute to Mumbai’s power supply stability. The hydro plants are also critical in balancing peak demand and supporting renewable energy integration.
Tata Power stated that it remains committed to continuously improving its infrastructure and integrating advanced technologies to deliver reliable and uninterrupted power supply. With Unit 5 now fully operational, the company will focus on enhancing system reliability to meet the growing energy demands ahead of the impending summer season.
