Karnataka's first gas power plant to open in 28 months

Power supply in Bengaluru is expected to improve as Karnataka’s first piped natural gas plant is set to open in Yelahanka New Town in 28 months. The 1,571-crore plant is being built by the Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd which has entrusted the work to the Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL).

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah inaugurated the commencement of works at the 370-MW power plant on Tuesday. He said the piped natural gas plants helped check pollution and ensured continuous power supply to Bengaluru. He said that 9,000 MW of power would be added to Karnataka over the next five years. The plant will have the capacity to generate power instantaneously, Energy Minister D K Shivakumar said and underscored the need to supply round-the-clock power to Bengaluru. The plant will get piped gas from the Dabhol Power Station in Maharashtra in 15-18 months, said BHEL Chairman and Managing Director, Atul Sobti.

The project started three months ago and 10% of the work has been completed. According to Sobti, 99 MW ISO indigenous machines manufactured by GE Technology are being used to generate power at the plant. The chimney height is 60 metres, which will address air and noise pollution concerns, since the plant is in the city. The plant will need 14.4 MLD water (600m3 per hour) in the first phase and 29 MLD after expansion. Sewage water from Jakkur and Agara lake treatment plants will be used for power generation, he added.

The gas-based power project has been undertaken as the 108 MW diesel-generating station at Yelahanka stopped functioning in August 2013. The actual deadline for the gas-based project is 30 months but the BHEL is confident of completing it in 28 months, Sobti said. The power generated will be supplied to the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom).

Solar park
According to Shivakumar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is impressed by the solar power park at Pavagad, Tumakuru district. “The PM said the Pavagad model should be replicated across the country,” he said. The Karnataka government has leased 21,000 acres in Pavagad at Rs 12,000 per acre per year to generate 2,000 MW of solar power.