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Tri-Generation Powering Healthcare Sustainability

MNGL’s Contribution to Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital’s Green Energy Revolution

By – Maj. Shankar Karajagi, Director (Commercial), Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited

In an era where sustainability and efficiency are shaping the future of healthcare infrastructure, Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited (MNGL) takes pride in supporting one of Pune’s most forward-thinking institutions — Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital (DMH) — in its transition to a Tri-generation (Combined Cooling, Heat, and Power – CCHP) energy system.

A Step Towards Energy Independence

Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital (DMH), Pune, a leading 800-bed multi-speciality healthcare centre with a total electrical load of 3.5 MW and a cooling requirement of 1000 TR, has adopted a gas-engine-based Tri-generation (Combined Cooling, Heat, and Power – CCHP) system, with Piped Natural Gas (PNG) supplied by MNGL as the clean fuel backbone. This installation marks one of India’s first large-scale natural-gas-driven Tri-generation applications in the healthcare sector.

Hospitals operate round the clock, with simultaneous demand for electricity, cooling, steam, and hot water — making them ideal candidates for cogeneration. DMH earlier relied on grid supply from MSEDCL and diesel generators, both costly and prone to interruptions. Rising diesel prices, grid fluctuations, and the need for uninterrupted power to support critical medical equipment prompted the hospital to adopt a cleaner and more reliable energy solution.

The custom-designed system comprises three MWM gas engines of 1.2 MW each for power generation. Waste heat from engine exhaust and jacket water is recovered through three Vapour Absorption Machines (VAMs) of 352 TR each (two operational and one standby), providing a total cooling capacity of 1056 TR. The recovered heat also generates approximately 90,000 litres of hot water per day, fulfilling the hospital’s sterilisation and utility requirements. The plant operates continuously, 24 hours a day, with MNGL ensuring an uninterrupted PNG supply. A backup system consisting of two 500 kVA and one 320 kVA diesel generators provides additional redundancy.

This system not only ensures an uninterrupted supply of power and thermal energy but also significantly reduces dependence on diesel generators and grid electricity — aligning with India’s vision of sustainable healthcare infrastructure. Moreover, MNGL’s clean energy contribution enables the hospital to optimise operational costs, which can be redirected towards enhanced patient care and expanded medical services.

Social Impact: Reliable Healthcare through Reliable Energy

Hospitals are critical service providers that cannot afford power interruptions. Through this initiative, MNGL has enabled DMH to ensure seamless operation of life-saving medical equipment, ICU facilities, and operating theatres, even during grid fluctuations or outages. The Tri-generation plant provides energy security that directly supports patient safety and uninterrupted healthcare delivery.

Environmental Commitment: Cleaner Energy for a Healthier Planet

Beyond reducing dependency on the grid, the system cuts CO emissions by approximately 5,500 tonnes per year — equivalent to planting over half a million trees. Integrating Tri-generation with DMH’s existing green-building features, such as solar water heating and on-site water recycling, has created a model for sustainable, reliable, and efficient healthcare energy management. MNGL’s initiative demonstrates the scalability of gas-based Tri-generation for hospitals, hotels, and commercial complexes across India.

The system also incorporates heat recovery and vapour absorption cooling technologies, which minimise energy waste and maximise overall efficiency. Consequently, the hospital achieves an impressive total energy efficiency of over 70–80%, far exceeding the performance of traditional grid-and-diesel-based systems.

MNGL’s Role: Enabling Sustainable Urban Energy Solutions

MNGL, through its 1,250 SCMH-capacity Meter Regulating Station (MRS) and consistent PNG supply, plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth and uninterrupted operation of DMH’s CCHP system. The same clean energy source also fuels the hospital’s canteen operations (around 300 SCMD daily), reinforcing MNGL’s vision of integrating natural gas across essential services.

A Model for Future-Ready Healthcare

Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital’s Tri-generation project stands as a benchmark in sustainable healthcare energy management — demonstrating how clean fuel, modern technology, and visionary leadership can come together to create resilient and eco-friendly medical infrastructure.

MNGL remains committed to fostering such transformative energy solutions that conserve resources while empowering institutions to deliver better, cleaner, and more reliable services to society.

“MNGL takes pride in empowering sustainable healthcare through clean energy solutions. The Tri-generation project at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, Pune, reflects MNGL’s commitment to a greener and healthier future.”

 

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