Agartala, Apr 02 (UNI) Ministry of Environment and Forest has cleared the nod for 363 MW capacity third power generation unit in gas based combined cycle ONGC Tripura Power Company (OTPC) run biggest Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) power project at Palatana in South Tripura.
Managing Director of OTPC S C Namboodiripad told media after six years of successful run of 363 MW capacity two units, the company has been in the process of finalising the gas supply deal with ONGC and estimating the per unit cost of production for third unit, which will cater the major electricity need of Northeast region.
“The proposed third unit of OTPC will require 1.5 million metric standard cubic metre gas per day and discussion has begun with ONGC for assuring the gas supply at least for next 25 years. However, the pricing of gas is also an issue for OTPC to okay the proposal because as of now ONGC is providing gas to existing two units from their available sources,” Namboodiripad said.
He pointed out that if ONGC goes for new well drilling for supplying gas to proposed unit; OTPC has to calculate the cost of production and whether it will be viable down the line.
At present the central government has given emphasis on electricity production from renewable energy sources (solar, wind and water), which are cheaper and eco-sustainable.
In the case of gas based power plants it would be little costly than non-conventional sources of energy but certainly cheaper than thermal power.
As of now, per unit production cost of power ranges between Rs 3.25 – 3.50 but if cost of gas increases, automatically production cost of electricity will be high and OTPC has to evaluate the business prospect from new generations, Namboodiripad pointed out.
“Because of low-priced, even after Covid pandemic, OTPC is able to secure its profit like earlier years in last fiscal. In 2020-21, OTPC has achieved a milestone by producing 80 per cent it’s total generation capacity and cater 30 percent of the total power demand of Northeast in last year and revenue earnings was also intact despite odd due to Covid,” he stated, adding that OTPC has made Tripura one of the power surplus state in last five years and also helped economic growth of Northeast.
