In 1966, TCE garnered acclaim by securing the design contract for the Dhuvaran Thermal Power Station’s (2 x 140 MW) expansion, a project commissioned by the Gujarat Electricity Board (GEB) with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). While sharing some similarities with the Trombay 4 power initiative, the Dhuvaran extension possessed its own distinctive features.

In contrast to the Trombay project, which benefited from the Arabian Sea for a once-through cooling water system, the Dhuvaran station necessitated cooling towers due to the unavailability of run-of-the-river cooling from the Mahi River. This marked a notable departure in design requirements. The Dhuvaran venture not only addressed these specific challenges but also marked the commencement of a prolonged and highly fruitful collaboration between GEB and TCE.

TCE assumed comprehensive responsibility for the engineering and consultancy services for the two 140 MW conventional turbine generator sets at Dhuvaran, encompassing matching boilers and auxiliary equipment. The scope of work extended to the holistic design and engineering of the power plant, incorporating a sophisticated cooling water system featuring natural draft cooling towers utilising saltwater. This project showcased TCE’s adaptability and engineering prowess in tailoring solutions to unique environmental and operational demands.

In Tata Ebasco, GEB discovered the precise technical expertise and competence it sought. This project served as the crucial stepping stone the company required. Swiftly, TCE ascended to prominence, establishing itself as the preeminent engineering consultancy firm specialising in thermal power stations. Notably, TCE can proudly assert its role in engineering approximately 24% of the nation’s thermal power capacity at that juncture.