Dear Friends, TERI in technical collaboration with NTPC Energy and Technological Research Alliance (NETRA) and with support from Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation is organizing a two day conference on the theme of ‘Reducing Water Footprints of Thermal Power Plants in India’ on 5-6th December 2016, at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. Thermal Power Plants are reported to consume the majority of the total industrial water consumption in the country. This water consumed by thermal power plants has been assessed to be equal to per capita water requirement of around one fifth of the population of India. In recognition of this the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has stipulated rules for reduction in water consumption by thermal power plants, which require them to reduce their specific water consumption by 2017. Under the project supported by Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation, we explored various available techno-process options for reducing the specific water consumption to the desired level. While these options have potential to reduce water consumed for per unit of electricity production, benefits of water made available in the region, are limited. Nevertheless, future increase in power production along with future increase in water demand from other sectors is very likely to eventually negate the benefits accrued due to implementation of guidelines from MoEF&CC. Hence, it is necessary to broaden the spectrum of water consumption by thermal power plants, and explore challenges and opportunities which may provide sustainable benefits while ensuring the co-existence of power plants with its neighbour's. Through the conference, we aim to disseminate the project outputs and explore alternative options through deliberations among the experts. Acknowledging your valuable experience in this sector we are privileged to invite you for two days conference and to enrich the deliberations with your expert inputs. We would be thankful for an early response and a line of confirmation for your participation nathaniel.dkhar@teri.res.in A brochure is also attached, for your kind perusal. Best regards, Nathaniel B. Dkhar Associate Fellow Center for Himalayan Ecology & Water Resources Policy Management Water Resources and Forestry Division The Energy and Resources Institute Postal address: Block 6C, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road | New Delhi - 110003 | India Office: +91-11-24682100 Ext: 2263; Fax:+91-11-24682145 Mobile: +91-9718449753/8800861007 www.teriin.org