Shivamogga: The control facility of the Sharavathi hydroelectric generating station which was gutted in a fire accident has received a hi-tech touch with SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) technology, thereby wiping memories of the fire mishap that took last year. The power station, which was destroyed in a fire early last year, was renovated in a record six months’ time and officially inaugurated on March 2.
All 10 units were destroyed in a fire on 18 February 2017 badly affecting power generation, in one of the oldest hydroelectric power stations. The fire broke out due to technical problem, spread into other parts burning the cables, building and control room and others leaving the generator and turbines.
Subsequently, the Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) suspended the power generation for some time and made an alternative to run only two units.
Immediately, the government decided to renovate the entire project unit. According to that, the unit was renovated in less than 6 months period at a cost of Rs 64 Crore. After the fire accident, the KPCL has repaired all the 10 power generating units by mid-October last year. Currently, the Sharavati Power House generates 1,035 MW power annually.
SCADA technology helps in gathering and analysing real time data and this system is used to monitor and control industrial plants and equipment.
