New Onsite Power generation system

The Bangalore-based Onsite Power Solutions Ltd (OPSL), a subsidiary of Control Infotech, has launched its gas-based 'cogeneration' system in Gujarat.

The product is being launched in association with the US-based Hess Microgen.

OPSL managing director Rajesh Rathi said, "Onsite power is about producing power at the site where it is needed. The cogeneration concept helps utilise the waste heat produced for chilling, heating and steaming purposes. It eliminates cost of transmission, avoids power theft and ensures better fuel efficiency as it simultaneously produces electricity and thermal energy."

"The first project is being launched in Gujarat after considering the state government's initiatives to popularise the gas-based fuel," Rathi added.

The industries in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Ankleshwar and Surat fit in to our targeted market. Any industrial unit that needs around one mw would be our potential customer," Rathi said.

The company offers compact and efficient natural gas-based generating sets, which serve to supply prime power for industry. The ratings of individual sets can vary from 140 kv to 375 kw.

Multiple sets up to eight numbers can be configured to suit individual requirements. Besides process steam or chilled water for an air-conditioned plant can be obtained by using the waste heat from the generator.

The cogeneration option makes the system cost effective as natural gas being a cheaper and cleaner fuel. Onsite power offers these sets in association with Hess Mircogen, chillers from Thermax and Transparent, both based at Pune.

By 2020, India will generate around 23-25 per cent of its total power using natural gas, which, at present is only seven-nine per cent.

"In Gujarat, natural gas is already available in Surat, Ankleshwar and other pockets of south Gujarat and this will extend to Vadodara and Ahmedabad soon.

"Moreover, the fuel requirement for the ongoing national gas grid project on completion will be taken care of as India has signed a 25-year contract with a Qatar-based company," Rathi said.

Putting to rest apprehensions about the feasibility of a natural gas-based system, Rathi says, "Onsite power will be free of load problems as they have automated networking of units with smaller capacities which share the total load. This leads to high efficiency and facilitates easy maintenance."

He added, "Moreover, it is a cleaner, environment-friendly and cost effective power generation, which is most welcome at a time when state grid power is getting dearer by the day."

According to Rathi, the industries in Gujarat would be the real beneficiaries once power reforms gets underway through the Centre's Electricity Bill 2003.

Recent changes in the Electricity Act 2003 and advent of natural gas at various sites in India have given a boost to the onsite power and "cogen concepts".

Four different technical papers were also presented at a seminar organised by the company in Surat today.