In a major development that could bring a relief to the power worries of the state, the construction works of the Kerala Government-Petronet LNG Ltd (PLL), a joint venture power project, near the LNG terminal at Puthyvype island here is all set to start soon.
The first phase of the project is proposed to generate 359 Mega Watt (MW) of power and upon completion, the project would generate 1050MW of power. 50 acres of land adjacent to the LNG terminal at Puthyvype island has been earmarked for the project.
Minister for Power and Transport Aryadan Mohammed told Express that the government is ready to purchase 75 per cent of the power generated from the plant. The rate for it will be determined by the State Electricity Regulatory Commission, he added.
The total cost of the project may come around Rs 4,000 crore. It would take about 36 months to complete the construction works.
A power plant of about 1,000 MW needs around 1.1 million metric tonne per annum( MMTPA) of LNG. Kochi LNG terminal is designed to handle 5 MMTPA of LNG upon fully completion.
According to the estimates released by the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), the electricity requirement in the state is expected to be 4,574 MW by the year 2016-17, it will touch 6,000 MW by 2021. Ruling out the environmental problems related to the LNG terminal raised by various sections of the society, the minister said that the government is ready to solve all these issues and committed to implement the project. “The ball now is in the Petronet LNG Ltd’s court. Considering the huge power requirement LNG plant is essential for the state, Aryadan said.
While responding to this development a Petronet LNG Ltd official said that the power plant will be a reality soon. The company has submitted a draft MoU to the government. A detailed feasibility report on the proposed project will be prepared soon after signing the memorandum.
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