Date:28/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/28/stories/2008122854320400.htm

New Delhi

Bawana power plant to be ready before the Games: Sheila

Staff Reporter

Agreements with GAIL, IOC and BPCL on gas supply for the new plant

— PHOTO: PTI

Taking a close look: Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit with Union Minister of State for Power Jairam Ramesh reviewing the progress of work at the upcoming Bawana Pragati-III Power Project in New Delhi on Saturday.

NEW DELHI: Expressing satisfaction over the pace of work at the upcoming 1,500-MW gas-based power plant here in Bawana, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Saturday said the project would be commissioned well in time before the start of the Commonwealth Games in October 2010.

Ms. Dikshit, who undertook a tour of the power plant accompanied by Union Minister of State for Power Jairam Ramesh said the 1,500-MW gas-based combined cycle power project — Pragati Power III — was also being considered for mega power status certificate.

Cooperation assured

Mr. Ramesh assured the Delhi Government of all possible cooperation from his Ministry for timely completion of the power project.

Referring to the issue of gas supply arrangements for the power plant, the Chief Ministersaid agreements had already been signed with GAIL, IOC and BPCL for supply of gas. While GAIL has started laying pipelines and installation of gas terminal at the site, NTPC has been engaged as a consultant for the project from concept to commissioning.

The Chief Minister said BHEL had placed an order for gas turbines and the first turbine would be tested in February next year. Gas turbine-I is scheduled to start generation of 250 MW of power in March 2010, while gas turbine-II is expected to generate another 250 MW in May 2010.

Gas turbine-III has a 250-MW production plan scheduled for July 2010.

Of the steam turbines that will be part of the plant, turbine-I is expected to generate 250 MW in July 2010 whereas the remaining 500 MW will be generated before the Commonwealth Games 2010 by gas turbine-IV and steam turbine-II.

Reviewing the progress of work, Ms. Dikshit expressed confidence that with the commissioning of the Pragati Power III Project there would be no shortage of power during the Commonwealth Games.

“All the venues will have un-interrupted power supply,” she said.