Bokaro Steel Plant's Green Revolution: A Cool Rs 2 Crore Saved
In a significant push towards energy conservation and cost reduction, the Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL) has successfully undertaken a massive upgrade, replacing conventional ceiling fans with highly efficient brushless DC motor (BLDC) fans across its vast township. This strategic move is already yielding impressive financial and environmental dividends.
Massive Installation Drives Substantial Savings
The scale of this initiative is noteworthy. Approximately 8,000 BLDC fans have already been installed, with the installation of an additional 2,000 units currently underway, bringing the total to 10,000 fans. This widespread transition has resulted in substantial annual savings on electricity bills, estimated to be around Rs 2 crore.
Explaining the technical advantage, BSL spokesperson Manikant Dhan highlighted the stark difference in energy consumption. He stated, “Where traditional ceiling fans consume around 150 to 200 watts, the new BLDC fans require only 28 watts.” This dramatic reduction in per-unit power draw is the core reason behind the massive cost savings.
Where Are the New Fans?
The energy-efficient fans have been deployed in key administrative and community buildings within the Bokaro township. The list of upgraded facilities includes the Town Administration office, Human Resource Development Centre, Training Hostel, Bokaro General Hospital, and various BSL-run schools. This ensures that the benefits of the initiative are felt across the plant's core operational and social infrastructure.
Future Expansion and Project Origins
Encouraged by the outstanding results, the steel plant is not stopping here. BSL is planning to extend this initiative to its 35,000 residential quarters, marking what could be one of the township's most extensive energy-efficiency upgrades to date.
The project was originally conceptualized during the tenure of the former director in-charge, Amarendu Prakash, who now serves as the chairman of SAIL. The on-ground execution of the installation work is being managed by BSL’s own electricity department.
While the initial investment for the 10,000 BLDC fans was around Rs 2.15 crore, the plant managed to recover a significant portion of this cost. By auctioning off the old, replaced fans, BSL successfully regained Rs 95 lakh, making the entire project even more economically viable.
