In order to achieve overall economy, the following points should be considered while selecting a site for a steam power station:
(I) SUPPLY OF FUEL:
The steam power station should be located near the coal mines so that transportation cost of fuel is minimum. However, if such a plant is to be installed at a place where coal is not available, then care should be taken that adequate facilities exist for the transportation of coal.(II) AVAILABILITY OF WATER:
As huge amount of water is required for the condenser, therefore, such a plant should be located at the bank of a river or near a canal to ensure the continuous supply of water.(III) TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES:
A modern steam power station often requires the transportation of material and machinery. Therefore, adequate transportation facilities must exist i.e., the plant should be well connected to other parts of the country by rail, road, etc.(IV) COST AND TYPE OF LAND:
The steam power station should be located at a place where land is cheap and further extension, if necessary, is possible. Moreover, the bearing capacity of the ground should be adequate so that heavy equipment could be installed.(V) NEARNESS TO LOAD CENTERS:
In order to reduce the transmission cost, the plant should be located near the center of the load. This is particularly important if DC supply system is adopted. However, if AC supply system is adopted, this factor becomes relatively less important. It is because AC power can be transmitted at high voltages with consequent reduced transmission cost. Therefore, it is possible to install the plant away from the load centers, provided other conditions are favorable.(VI) DISTANCE FROM POPULATED AREA:
As huge amount of coal is burnt in a steam power station, therefore, smoke and fumes pollute the surrounding area. This necessitates that the plant should be located at a considerable distance from the populated areas.Conclusion: It is clear that all the above factors cannot be favorable at one place. However, keeping in view the fact that now-a-days the supply system is AC and more importance is being given to generation than transmission, a site away from the towns may be selected. In particular, a site by river side where sufficient water is available, no pollution of atmosphere occurs and fuel can be transported economically, may perhaps be an ideal choice.