With a view to reforming its power sector in sync with the global issue of climate change, the government of Gujarat has come up with an innovative idea to use sea water in the generation of power for its Bhavnagar Energy Company Limited (BECL) project.
BECL's Pithead Power Project at Padva would use the abundant salt water to generate power.
"The sea water would be desalined using the cleaning technology, after which it will be used for the production of power. The used water will be recycled, kept for cooling and later discharged back to the sea. This would make sure the sea creatures are not harmed," an official at BECL told Business Standard.
What's more, the 500 MW Lignite Thermal Power Project at Padva village, 25 km from Bhavnagar district, plans to use electrostatic precipitators, desulphurisation technologies and other equipment to desulphurise the high sulphur content from lignite used in the production of energy.
"There are plenty of lignite reserves around Bhavnagar, but they have a high sulphur content. The use of these technologies will help us make the project environment-friendly," the official added.
Incidentally, Gujarat Electricity Board (GEB) and Gujarat Industries Power Company Limited (GIPCL) had used these technologies in Panandhro and Mangrol projects respectively.
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With an investment of more than Rs 2500 crore, the project completion is expected to be in another three years' time. While the 171 hectare land has been being acquired and the lignite mine leased to the BECL, the plant machineries would be ordered in the month of September. The power generated from the plant will be exported to the state grid.
"The project is in the advanced stages of implementation. This project will provide a significant relief in the power shortage scenario that the state is facing today. With the completition of the project, Bhavnagar and the areas surrounding it will certainly attract new industries," said Saurabh Patel, minister of state for energy, industries and mines.
BECL is promoted by Gujarat Power Corporation Limited (GPCL), Gujarat State Investments Limited (GSIL), Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Limited (GMDC), Gujarat Industries Power Company Limited (GIPCL), Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Limited (GACL), Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers Company Limited (GNFC) and Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited (GSFC).