To make the state power surplus, the Punjab government is mulling to set up a 1,000-Mw gas-based power plant at Ropar. The state government has sought an allocation of 4.5 million metric standard cubic meter gas per day at the government rate from the Centre. If approved, this would be the state’s first gas based power plant. The proposed project which is likely to attract an investment of Rs 4,000-4,500 crore, may be developed either by private player or by the state government.
Speaking to Business Standard, sources in Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd said, “We have written a letter to the power minister for allocation of 4.5 million metric standard cubic meter gas a day at the government administrative price. The cost of power generated from gas at government prices and market price is huge. While, comes to around Rs 4 per unit at government prices while at market price its cost is Rs 6 per unit.”
On being asked about land required for the Project, he mentioned, “Already the land measuring 400 acres is in possession with the state government adjoining the existing 1,260 Mw thermal power plant at Ropar. So far the model on the basis of which project would be implemented is yet to be decided. It may be developed either by the state government, private player or on PPP model. We will take decision once the allocation of gas for the project is allocated to us.”
It has also invited bids for rendering Consultancy and Services for obtaining the environmental clearance and no objection certificate for the gas power project, for which six firms including TCE Consulting Engineers Ltd, Kirloskar Consultants Ltd, Desein Pvt Ltd, Mantec Pvt Ltd, Ramky Enviro Pvt Ltd and Mahabal Enviro Engineers Pvt Ltd, etc, has submitted bids.
At present there is a huge gap between demand and supply. Currently Punjab has an installed capacity of 6841 Mw, while the demand is about 9,000 Mw. According to the Powercom data, the current availability of power in the state across all means(including short term purchases) is 15.5 crore units while there is demand of 1650 lakh units. Also, the state has highest per capita consumption of power in the country at 1100 units, as compared to national average of about 750 units. Further, the power shortage in the state is growing at the rate of 10 per cent annually.
Considering the shortfall, the state intends to develop Thermal plants at Rajpura 2,100 Mw (3 x 700 MW), Talwandi Sabo (2,640 Mw having 4 units of 660 Mw each), Goindwal Sahib (2 x 270 Mw)) besides Gidderbaha( 2,640 Mw). The Rajpura Plant being developed by Larsen & Toubro would be operational by early 2014, while the first unit of Talwandi Sabo, being set up by Mumbai-based Sterlite Energy Ltd,( a part of Sterlite Industries India Ltd,) would be commissioned by January 2013. Also, the first unit of Goindwal Sahib power project by GVK would be operational by November 2012.” Also, the state government has written to the coal ministry for early allocation of coal block for Gidderbaha thermal plant.
