Tangedco keen on settling contracts for three thermal projects…

 

With the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests issuing environmental clearance for the 1,320-MW (megawatt) Ennore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) thermal power project early this month, the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) is keen on settling contracts for three thermal power projects of 3,300 MW before the Election Commission announces the schedule for the Lok Sabha elections by late February or early March.

Else, the power utility may have to wait for three or four months before proceeding further on the tenders for the projects, sources say.

Of the three projects, the Udangudi and Ennore SEZ thermal power projects have the capacity of 1,320 MW each. Technical specifications provided by bidders for these projects are under scrutiny.

In both these projects, three Chinese firms and the Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) have participated in the bids. In respect of the 660-MW ETPS (Ennore Thermal Power Station) expansion project, the authorities are negotiating with the lowest bidder, Lanco Infratech, which has submitted the price bid. The projects – Udangudi and ETPS expansion project – received the environmental clearance in October last and June 2009.

Among the specific conditions laid down by the Union Ministry in respect of the Ennore SEZ project are the formulation of a vision document, specifying perspective plan, within six months; harnessing solar power through roof-top installations; no transportation of imported coal by road and carrying out a long-term study on radio activity and the presence of heavy metals contents in coal through a reputed institute. No waterbodies including natural drainage system in the area should be disturbed due to activities associated with the setting up/operation of the power plant.

Source

Read More...

The sun, a school and a farewell to power cuts in Tamil Nadu...

 

Students and teachers of Ramaratnam Nursery and Primary School in Mylapore have not had to bear the brunt of power cuts for almost one year, all thanks to the solar power plant installed on the roof of the building.

The school housed in the Madras Sanskrit College has installed an ‘On Grid’ type solar plant in which electricity produced during the day is directly converted into AC power and distributed to the electricity grid of Tangedco. S. Harish, CEO, Future Renewable Energy Infrastructure Private Limited, said under the ‘on grid’ system, the solar power produced could not be stored like the ‘off grid’ system, where it could be stored in a battery. The former was suggested to the school authorities because the school functions during day time. Also, the ‘on grid’ system is 30 per cent cheaper than the ‘off grid’ system.

The 7 Kilo Watt (KW) solar power plant, including the inverter, cost Rs. seven lakh (including the subsidy of Rs. 2 lakh) with the school likely to recover the investment within seven years, Mr. Harish added. The solar power plant has not only helped the school authorities deal with power cuts, but has also brought down power consumption by 30-40 per cent.

Subramaniam, manager of the school, said the institution, which used to previously consume an average of 2,500 units in two months managed to save around 1,000 units after the plant was installed.

B. Madhavan, a trustee of the school, said the solar plant was installed mainly to ensure students’ comfort. He said by going solar, the school was also able to fulfil its social responsibility.

Going by the success of the solar power plant installed in the school, the trustees of the Madras Sanskrit College have proposed to install an off-grid system on its premises.

Source

Read More...

India Wind Power Association moves Tribunal challenging Tamil Nadu’s move to buy thermal power...

 

The India Wind Power Association (IWPA), a representative of wind energy producers, has launched a fresh challenge against the Tamil Nadu government's decision to buy thermal power, instead of using available wind power, to tide over shortages.

On Thursday, the association moved the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity, the appeals body, challenging an earlier ruling against it by the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission.

"Tangedco (the state-run power generation and distribution company) is buying from outside costly thermal power even during the windy months of May to September by backing down wind mills eight to 22 hours daily and refusing to give the 'must run' status to wind mills, calling it infirm power," K Kasthurirangaian, chairman of IWPA, told ET.

Infirm power is considered interruptible at a very short notice.

Wind energy producers feel hard-done by the absence of a 'must run' status, having lost an opportunity to sell their power. Already, they have been hit hard by long delayed dues that the utility owes them.

State government officials couldn't be reached for comments.

The tussle between wind energy producers and the state comes at a time when the latter is trying to address a huge problem in the electricity sector. Tamil Nadu faces a huge shortage of power and the state-run utility is neck-deep in debt.

The grouse of wind energy players, once the state's darlings, also manifests itself at a time when the Tamil Nadu is aggressively wooing solar developers, following a plan to add 3 gigawatt of solar power in three years.

According to data available with the Centre for Wind Energy Technology, Tamil Nadu is still the leader in wind power installed capacity. It accounts for 40% of the country's total installed capacity of over 18 gigawatt.

The tussle started in September when Tangedco sought the nod from the state electricity regulator to buy over 2 gigawatt of thermal power for 15 years starting 2013. This was over and above the 1 gigawatt or so approved end of last year.

The state's plan was this: buy roughly half from outside the state from the players such as Balco and GMR and the rest from private players inside like OPG and ILF&S.

IWPA protested, saying there was enough surplus wind power available. It was also joined by Tamil Nadu Spinning Mills Association in the case. Tamil Nadu Spinning Mills is also fighting a case against Tamil Nadu over the mandatory solar purchase obligation.

The electricity regulator upheld Tangedco's stand, ruling that the IWPA position lacked merit. Tangedco, citing a Central Electricity Authority estimate, had pegged the total available capacity for 2013-14 at just under 11 gigawatt, much lower than demand (at 15.7 gigawatt). Further, it had argued, that the utility can't plan for the future relying on infirm power such as wind.

The appellate tribunal has posted the case for hearing on Dec. 21

Source

Read More...

Tangedco to provide Generation Based Incentives for solar energy supplied to the grid by Domestic Consumers...

 

Installation of rooftop solar energy systems is expected to get a boost as the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) will soon start implementing the Generation-Based Incentive Scheme announced in the Tamil Nadu Solar Energy Policy.

The scheme envisages installation of 50MW under it. Domestic consumers will get Rs. 2 a unit for solar energy supplied to the grid during the first two years.

An official of the Tangedco here told The Hindu that suggestions were recently sought from the local officials on installation of solar energy systems by domestic and commercial consumers and for common purpose (such as street lights). Solar connections in an area will be 30 per cent of a transformer’s capacity.

The consumers will have to buy two meters.

One will be installed near the solar panels to assess the energy generated.

Another one will be to assess the solar energy supplied to the grid from a house or commercial building and energy consumed from the grid.

Working instructions
The official said that working instructions were expected soon so that they could start implementing the scheme.

Consumers will have to bear the cost of meters and the wiring for installing these. Since the Government has announced incentive for solar energy supplied to the grid, more consumers may go in for it, the official said.

A. D. Thirumoorthy, energy consultant and a former official of the Tangedco, said that the scheme is only for those who use the solar energy generated without storing it or supply the energy generated to the grid.

The consumers should be permitted to use store the solar energy generated. Only then would it encourage installations, he said.

There are a number of installations that do not require the export/import meter as the consumer might not have excess power to export to the grid.

Hence, this should be an option and not mandatory.

Source

Read More...

Update on KSK's 3600 MW Mahanadi Thermal Power Project...

 

A brief update of KSK's 6 X 660 MW KSK Mahanadi Thermal Power Project  which is the largest  power  generation initiative  of the KSK Group has been submitted by the company to NSE.

 

 

 

A brief update on the project on-site progress is as provided  below:

• First 600 MW Unit is fully functional  with all associated  ancillary  infrastructure set up by various Group companies commissioned and operational;
• The entire  60 km pipeline  laying  work  for the water  intake  system  for the power plant has been completed  and currently  used for water transport; and
• The  rail  connectivity  of  the  power   plant  to  the  Indian   Rail  network   is completed  with movement of rakes into the plant commenced.
• Power  supplies   are  being  made  in  accordance  with  the  Grid  code  and  Power Purchase  Agreements  ("PPA").  Revenue  recognition  is expected  to commence  in the later part of the current  quarter.
• It is anticipated that boiler light up for the second  unit of 600 MW, on a test basis, will be achieved  within  the next 45 to 60 days and  the turbine  generator  box up is also anticipated to be completed around the same time. Flue duct fabrication  works and  insertion  completion in the second  chimney  for the second  600 MW unit is in progress.

Fuel Supplies:

With capital  investment commitment of over  US$ 3.6 billion, this coal fired  power  plant once completed  will help address tl1e power  requirements of multiple  states  across India, namely   Gujarat,   Chhattisgarh,  Goa,   Andhra   Pradesh   and   other   states   with   power generation  based   on   long   term   coal   supply    arrangements  with   Gujarat    Mineral Development Corporation ("GMDC") and  Goa Industrial  Development Corporation from the committed Morga-II and Gare Pelma-III coal blocks respectively, with tapering  linkage arrangements with  Coal India to address immediate needs.

KSK has been anticipating the immediate term fuel supplies of the power  plant being met through tapering linkage granted  to the Company in November  2008 and  the Company has been  pursuing the same  with  the Government of India  for a considerable time.  Further updates shall be provided as we obtain necessary confirmations and execution with respect to the same.

Power Sales:

As regards  Power sales, KSK Mahanadi is pleased  to confirm  that an additional long term PPA for 500 MW of Net Capacity, under  a competitive Bidding process, has now been concluded  with Tamil Nadu  Generation and  Distribution Corporation Limited ("TANGEDCO") at a levelised  tariff of Rs  4.91/kwh, with potential  for tariff escalations on account of certain input costs.

The Company has participated in other competitive bids under Case-I mechanism by state utilities and  is waiting  for further  tie-up of substantial power  plant capacities  under  long term PPAs."

Source: NSE

Read More...

Tamil Nadu to receive 600 MW Power from the Two Power Plants...

 

Tamil Nadu is set to get another 600 MW of electricity from Friday with a power generation of 300 MW each from the North Chennai Power Station Stage 2 Unit 1 and the Vallur Thermal power plant Unit 1, which were shut down for the past few months.

“On Friday, both the plants will generate about 300 MW each. The State is currently facing a huge deficit.

In the coming days, we will be increasing the power generation consistently and try to bridge the demand-supply gap,” said a senior official with the TANGEDCO.

The TANGEDCO is looking to increase the power generation at the North Chennai Power Station Stage 2 Unit 1 to 500 MW and the Vallur Power Plant to 600-700 MW in the next few days.

Source

Read More...

Thermal power plants back on track...

 

The state might get a little reprieve from prolonged hours of power cut with thermal power plants, whi­ch were under repair, starting generation one after another. One 500 MW unit of the Vallur thermal power station, a joint venture bet­ween National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and Tamil Nadu Gener­ation and Distribution Cor­p­oration, will restart generation on Tuesday night, said a senior official of NTPC. 

The Unit-I of Vallur plant has been under forced outage since November 14 due to coal shortage and depriving state of its share of 375 MW from the unit. Acco­rding to a senior NTPC official, the unit was shutdown following coal shortage.

“We are getting our coal from Mahanadi Coalfields in Odisha via Pradip port. Due to cyclone Phailin and workers’ protest in the coalfields, we did not receive our coal consignment on time. It led to shutdown of the unit,” the official said.

The 2X500 MW Vallur station requires 13,400 tonnes of coal per day. The thermal power station meets 53 per cent of its coal need from domestic coalfields and remaining through import. “Since we have rec­ei­ved a consignment of coal, we will be starting ge­n­e­ration from Tuesday night,” the official said.

Shortage of coal in central generating stations like  Talcher, Simhadri and Ramagundam  has been affecting power supply to the state. The latest coal stock position, as on Nove­mber 24, shows that Tal­cher, Simhadri and Rama­gundam, which supply nearly 1,400 MW to Tamil Nadu, have stocks for just a day. The 600 MW stage-III Met­t­ur thermal power station which restarted operation on Tuesday morning has been generating to its fullest capacity.

On Tuesday morning, Tan­geco met a morning peak demand of 9,305 MW while enforcing a load shedding to tune of 1,830 MW.

“With no wind power, we are pinning our hope on wid­espread rainfall to br­ing down the power dem­and in the state,” a senior Tangedco official said.

Source

Read More...

Around 55,000 MW capacity projects are on anvil in Tamil Nadu...

 

Massive expansion of thermal generation capacity to the tune of over 55,000 mw is on the anvil in Tamil Nadu.

Though power cuts in the state are not uncommon, they come at a time when the demand for power is abysmally low; this shows the extent of the power crisis. Failure to augment capacity of thermal power stations in the state in the last decade has led to the present power crisis.

Over 80 per cent of the proposed projects are to be set up in the three districts of Tuticorin, Nagapattinam and Cuddalore, raising environmental concerns. Tuticorin will have the highest concentration of thermal power plants with a capacity of 20,800 mw with Nagapattinam and Cuddalore with 11,800 mw and 8,600 mw, according to the union ministry of environment and forest data.

The proposed gas and coal based thermal power projects are in various stages of implementation.

The total installed electricity generation capacity in the state is around 18,515 mw including 8150 mw from thermal power plants and 8,000 mw from renewable energy sources.

New power projects account for more than seven times the existing installed thermal capacity of 8150 mw.

According to MoEF statistics, 29,921 mw projects have got environment clearance (EC) while 25,000 mw projects await EC, or have terms of reference (TOR) or are awaiting TOR.

While the state and central sectors have a large share in the existing thermal power stations with about 85 per cent, the proportion of  private sector plants has increased to a whopping 75 per cent.

A senior Tamil Nadu Generation and Dis­tribution Corpora­tion official said that capacity addition and new power projects of the state and the central governments would directly improve the power situation.

“Projects like the NLC-TNEB joint venture project in Tuticorin, Udangudi, Uppur and the Cheyyur ultra mega power project will be commissioned by 2018-19,” the official said, pointing out that the coming up of new state and central projects besides long term power purchase would make the state a power surplus one by the end of next year.

As regards merchant power projects, the official said that they need not get any license from Tangedco under the Electricity Act 2003. The 2003 act enables merchant power plants to generate and sell their power at their will, the official said, adding they do not have any details on private power projects coming up in the state.

Source

Read More...

Unscheduled power cuts return in Coimbatore due to low wind, hydro power...

 

Coimbatore District is back to days of unscheduled power cuts. For the last three days, electricity consumers are facing three hours to six hours of power cut a day.

Officials of the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) say that the substations follow a schedule for two hour load shedding in the morning hours and the schedule is repeated in the afternoon if there is a shortage in availability of power. The duration varies depending on the locality.

For instance, the power cut duration is more in rural areas. The situation is likely to be so till January.

The corporation has not published the schedule as the power availability situation differs every day.

Wind energy generation has dropped and north east monsoon is not as expected, resulting in shortage of power, they say.

K. Kasthurirangaian, president of Indian Wind Power Association, says that winds started declining in October. They may revive in a couple of days.

However, the State is likely to have suffered a loss of nearly 3,000 million units of power because of poor evacuation of wind energy.

The winds were good this year between April and October. But, the evacuation was less than last year, he says.

R. Ramachandran, president of Coimbatore District Small Industries’ Association, says that the power situation is turning out to be difficult for the small-scale industries. If the situation continues, it will again become a problem for the units. “We hope the Government will take some steps to improve the availability of power,” he says.

According to S. Ravikumar, president of Coimbatore Tirupur District Micro and Cottage Enterprises Association, the unscheduled power cuts without any prior information is affecting the industries.

The uncertainty in power availability in the State is hitting industrial operations and the Government should ensure that power is available continuously for at least eight hours a day to the industries.

K. Kathirmathiyon, secretary of Coimbatore Consumer Cause, says that the Tangedco was implementing load shedding without any information to the public and the consumers were unaware of the schedule of power cut. They should be informed about the power situation in the State, the load shedding schedule and when the situation was expected to improve.

Source

Read More...