OREANDA-NEWS. May 23, 2011. Reiterating its commitment towards 'green' initiatives, Tata Power’s Jobobera thermal power plant in Jamshedpur has implemented some of the most innovative on- and off-site initiatives. These initiatives focus on resource conservation, innovative waste management and community welfare.

Speaking on the initiatives PL Manjrekar, general manager, Jojobera thermal power station, Tata Power, said, “The innovative methods used for resource conservation have not only helped reduce wastage, but have also led to significant reduction in water, fuel and energy consumption. We are proud that each and every employee is enthusiastically involved in contributing towards the green initiatives of Tata Power. The Tata Power Jojobera plant aims to become a shining example of Tata Power’s commitment to involve every individual in the organisation to make a positive impact through its green initiatives.”

Tata Power's green initiatives at Jojobera include:

Rooftop water harvesting: The water from the rooftop of the pump house floor is sent to a purification tank where it is passed through sand and gravel filter and then allowed to percolate into a bore well drilled at the centre of the collection and purification tank. This water recharges the ground water table. The net recharge is approximately 300cu m/annum.

Installation of solar water heating system: A 200-LPD solar water heating system has been installed on the plant canteen rooftop which is used for cooking purpose. This has significantly reduced consumption of and dependence on LPG at the plant canteen.

Installation of solar street lights at different locations in the plant premises and usage of low power consuming LED lights has reduced energy consumption .Further, energy meters for lighting and air conditioners at coal handling plant have been installed.

Tata Power Energy Club: Under its nationwide energy conservation programme ‘Tata Power Energy Club’, it has held sensitisation sessions for various employees and their families on energy conservation practices to be followed in their residence and neighbourhood. At Jamshedpur, club members have visited 12 schools and the club has sensitised over 7,000 students so far who in turn have made over 12,000 citizens aware about ways to save energy.

Individual carbon footprint mapping: Over 50 per cent of its employees in the Jamshedpur plant have calculated and declared their individual carbon footprint, and have been trained on carbon emission reduction.

Avoiding wastage of water: The overflow of the water reservoir has been addressed by making a level switch in-house that switches the pump on and off depending on the water level, thus avoiding overflow and water wastage. Measures have been taken to utilise treated effluent for plant gardening and cleaning jobs. Side stream filtration plant has been installed for reduction of cooling tower blow down and thereby reducing specific water consumption.

Battery powered car is being used for visitors' movement inside the plant instead of conventional vehicles, thus saving fuel.

In keeping with its commitment to light up lives of people, Tata Power has implemented various initiatives for the local communities around the Jojobera plant as well. The company has provided inverters to nearby schools, educated employees about hygiene, safety and health through seminars and workshops. Solar lights have been installed in community halls in the neighbouring villages.