The beleaguered Dabhol power project could be revived within a year, Union power minister Anant Geete said here today. The first phase of the project could start generating power within a year, he added.
"Punj Lloyd in a report has said the project can start generating power within a year. Bechtel has also assured of full co-operation in keeping the plant operational," Geete said.
The minister was responding to questions on the time required to start operations at the plant.
The plant was shut down last year following dispute over payments with the Maharashtra State Electricity Board (MSEB).
The plant, in the custody of a court receiver appointed following a case filed by financial institutions led by the Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI), is being maintained by Punj Lloyd.
Bechtel is engineering, procurement and construction contractor of the project in which it also holds a 10 per cent stake.
Apprehensions have been expressed whether the project could be revived as there is the danger of damage to the plant and equipment.
Also, the bankrupt US company Enron Corp, the largest shareholder in the $ 3 billion power project, has been accused of removing certain chips which are crucial to the operation of the plant.
"It is in this context that Bechtels support assumes importance," Geete said.
Efforts to revive the project has gained momentum in recent months with the co-ordination committee of the ruling Democratic Front in Maharashtra clearing the purchase of power at Rs 2.80 per unit by the state power board till the resolution of the issue.
National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has agreed to be the operations and maintenance contractor.
A team comprising officials of NTPC, MSEB, General Electric, Bechtel and IDBI is likely to visit the project site on October 28 to ascertain the condition of the plant.
