Energy Update

  • NEA : 10195 MWh
  • Subsidiary Company : 8071 MWh
  • Private Sector : 21211 MWh
  • Import : 4151 MWh
  • Tripping : 2950 MWh
  • Energy Demand : 46578 MWh
  • NEA : 0 MW
  • Subsidiary Company : 0 MW
  • Private Sector : 0 MW
  • Import : 0 MW
  • Tripping : 0 MW
  • Peak Demand : 2306 MW
2025 June 5,Thursday
×
hydropower solar wind Biogas petroleum International Climate Energy Efficiency

Trend

Diesel Power Plant and Its Advantages–Disadvantages

Kathmandu; As a part of the weekly column 'Urja Gyan' (Energy Knowledge) presented to you every Friday by Urja Khabar, this week we have data on diesel power plants and their advantages and disadvantages. We had written on renewable energy and its sources in our previous edition.

(1) What is a Diesel Power Plant?

Answer: A diesel power plant is a thermal power generation unit where the power is produced by a diesel-driven engine. The plants are basically used as standby power supplies or in remote locations from the national power system.

(2) Principal Parts of a Diesel Power Plant: 

  • Diesel Engine: The principal part that creates mechanical energy by burning fuel.
  • Alternator (Generator): Converts the engine's mechanical energy into electricity.
  • Fuel System: Delivers and stores diesel to the engine.
  • Air Intake and Exhaust System: Supplies clean air for combustion and exhausts the exhaust gases.
  • Cooling System: Draws off excess heat from the engine (usually by water or air cooling).
  • Lubrication System: Lowers friction to ensure smooth engine running.
  • Control Panel: Controls and monitors parameters such as voltage, frequency, and temperature.
  • Starting System: Usually battery-driven and activates an electric motor to start the engine.


    • (3) Diesel Power Plant Advantages:

  • Quick Start and Shutdown: Suitable for emergency and backup purposes due to its quick action.
  • In Simple Design and Easy Installation: Small and simpler to install compared to thermal or hydro plants.
  • Low Water Requirement: Less water needed for cooling purposes, hence suitable for water-deficient areas.
  • High Efficiency at Partial Load: Efficient even during partial load situations.
  • Low Cost of Capital: Lower to build compared to major hydro or thermal plants.
  • Portability: Can be designed to be portable, hence convenient for offshore or short-term power projects.
  • Reliability: Provides a steady output of electricity in the case of power failure or breakdown of the system.


    • (4) Drawbacks of Diesel Power Plants:

  • High Operating Expense: Diesel fuel is expensive, hence the high cost per unit of electricity produced.
  • Limited Output: Not appropriate for the production of large quantities of electricity; typically used on small or medium loads.
  • Air Pollution: Emits pollutants like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, causing environmental issues.
  • Noise Pollution: Emitted with great noise, requiring proper soundproofing.
  • Requires Regular Maintenance: Requires skilled individuals for routine maintenance to keep the engine and its parts in top working condition.
  • Dependent on Non-renewable Fuel: Relying on fossil fuel like diesel, which is market-dependent and non-renewable.

    • Conversation

    Urja Khabar

    More News

    Geppert Plays a Vital Role in Advancing Nepal’s Hydropower Sector

    World Bank Approves $257 Million to Improve Electricity and Irrigation Services

    Future of Nepali Hydropower Amid Climate Change Challenges

    Balancing Solar Energy Expansion and Agricultural Preservation in Nepal

    Climate Change and Global Warming: How Humans Are Reshaping the Earth's Climate

    Related News

    Electricity Distribution System, Lines, and their Types

    What is a diesel electric power plant ?

    Magnet, Its Types, and Characteristics

    • Nepal's First Energy Based News Portal
    • Energy Information Center Pvt. Ltd.
      Hemant Marg-11, Babar Mahal, Kathmandu

    News

    Editor

    Laxman Biyogi

    Executive Editor

    Pushpa Koirala

    Chief Financial Officer

    CA Krishna Kafle

    Business Development Officer

    Dijan Karki
    Urja TV
    • Info. Dept. Reg. No. : 254/073/74
    • Telephone : +977-1-5321303
    • Email : info@urjakhabar.com
    © 2025 Urja Khabar. All rights reserved
    Contact for advertisement +977-1-5321303