The Hindu : New Delhi News : A new power plant for the Capital

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Wednesday, Dec 26, 2007
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New Delhi

A new power plant for the Capital

Smriti Kak Ramachandran

Power distribution company NDPL seeks permission from DDA for change of land use

Jal Board has been approached to provide the discom sewage water for cooling the plant
‘We are negotiating with companies for procuring gas for running the plant’

NEW DELHI: After a long wait, the decks have been cleared for establishment of a 100-MW gas-based power plant at Rohini here by power distribution company North Delhi Power Limited.

The company, after selecting the land for setting up the gas-based plant, had sought the Delhi Development Authority’s permission for change of land use.

According to sources, the DDA has notified the Delhi Government’s Power Department about permission for change of land use. “Once we get to hear from the Power Department, we will begin work for setting up the 100-MW plant that is aimed at augmenting the Capital’s power supply,” said a senior NDPL official.

Earlier this year, the Power Department had given its approval to the NDPL’s proposal to set up a 100-MW power plant at Rohini.

The Delhi Jal Board has already been approached to provide the discom sewage water for cooling the gas-based plant that will take up to 15 months for completion and is likely to cost Rs.250 crore.

Aimed at cutting down on power procurement costs, the plant is expected to become operational before 2010. “We are negotiating with companies for procuring gas for running the plant. Work will also begin on seeking environmental and other clearances for the plant,” NDPL officials said. “The idea behind setting up the plant is to save on power procurement during peak hours. Though power is available, it is very expensive. Also, Delhi does not produce enough, so every little bit helps. As the money we spend on purchasing expensive power for our consumers is more than what we will put in the plant,” they explained.

Officials also pointed out that the plant would help the discom meet the peak demand in its area of operation without any difficulty and make a huge saving.

While the company is forced to procure power at Rs.7 during peak hours, with the 100-MW plant becoming operational, the reduction in costs is likely to be in the region of about 50 per cent, sources said.

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