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As AP Genco reforms show results... -- KfW of Germany clears DM 600 m for Vijayawada unit expansion

V. Rishi Kumar

HYDERABAD, May 27

THE German funding agency, KfW, has cleared a DM 660 million (Rs 1,400 crore) package for the 660-MW super critical Vijayawada Thermal Power Station following improved performance of Andhra Pradesh Generation Corporation Ltd.

Following the refurbishment of its existing plants, AP Genco Ltd has achieved a highest-ever plant load factor of 85.1 per cent as against all-India average of 69 per cent during the 2000-2001, thereby becoming one of the most efficient power generating utility in the country.

The Chairman and Managing Director of AP Genco, Mr J. Parthasarathy, said that as a result of the effective implementation of the power sector reforms in Andhra Pradesh, various lenders have begun to show interest.

Following this, KfW of Germany has agreed in principle to finance Rs 1,400 crore for extension of the 660-MW super critical unit of Vijayawada Thermal Power Station.

Last fiscal, the Rayalaseema Thermal Power Project (RTTP), which is located in the backward region of Rayalaseema, created a landmark by surpassing the record of national power utilities including NTPC by achieving a PLF of 94.5 per cent.

Further, the 500-MW Kothagudem Thermal Power Station (KTPS) Stage-V at Paloncha in Khammam district, which has been completed in a record period of 31 months with an investment outlay of Rs 1,424 crore, stood seventh in the country by achieving a PLF of 86.5 per cent.

With the support of the State Government, AP Genco invested Rs 151 crore towards renovation and modernisation works at KTPS-A station, the oldest power plant at Paloncha. Following this development, the unit achieved a PLF of 80.7 per cent in 2000-01 aga inst that of 55 to 60 per cent prior to the renovation.

The corporation has also taken up renovation and modernisation works of KTPS B & C stations (4x110 MW) with a total outlay of Rs 500 crore. Already one of the unit, which was taken up for renovation and modernisation, has been put back to service and has recorded generation of 120 MW. Its unit No.6 is now being undertaken for modernisation.

Further, China National Machinery and Equipment Import and Export Corporation (CMEC) of China has been awarded the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract for the Rayalaseema Thermal Power Project, Stage-II, in the Cuddapah district (2x2 20 MW) on build and transfer basis. Both the units are expected to be commissioned by the end of 2004.

Mr Parthasarathy stressed the need to operate and maintain all power stations at more optimum level by laying emphasis on research and development for achieving improved plant reliability.