Advanced Ultra Supercritical (AUSC) Technology

Context: The government is reconsidering its plan to set up a power project based on Advanced Ultra Supercritical (AUSC) Technology due to its high initial costs.

Advanced Ultra Supercritical (AUSC) Technology

• Advanced Ultra Supercritical (AUSC) Technology refers to next-generation coal-based thermal power plants that operate at very high steam temperatures (~700°C) and pressures (above 300 bar).
  • It is more advanced than Supercritical (SC) and Ultra-Supercritical (USC) technologies.
• Efficiency: AUSC plants can achieve ~46% efficiency, compared to:
  • Subcritical: ~38%
  • Supercritical: ~41%
  • Ultra-Supercritical: ~42–43%
• Higher efficiency means less coal is required for the same electricity output.

• Environmental Benefits: Reduces CO₂ emissions by about 10–15% compared to USC units.
  • Cuts other pollutants since fuel consumption is lower.
• Technology Features: Requires special alloys (nickel-based, chromium-based) to withstand high temperature and pressure.
  • Involves advanced boiler, turbine, and heat exchanger designs.

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