Dabhol plant to reopen after 532 days.

The mega power plant in Ratnagiri district would start generating soon, after being closed for almost 530 days.

Ratnagiri Gas & Power Pvt Ltd. (RGPPL), which took over the plant formerly known as the Dabhol project, had recently secured 1.98 million standard cubic feet per day (mscmd) of gas. The per-unit tariff was projected at Rs 4.70 in the bidding.

The plant was shut since December 28, 2013, for want of gas and due to financial constraints. Government-owned RGPPL plans to generate 500 Mw, against a capacity of 1,967 Mw. RGPPL board would meet recently to decide.

Power minister Piyush Goyal told Business Standard: 'The company has secured 1.98 mscmd of gas, which will help restore power generation. RGPPL will secure additional gas in the next round of bidding'. Goyal said the Centre was exploring setting up a facility at the plant to convert natural gas into its liquefied form, making it easier to transport. Regasification would help ensure gas supply to power plants, he said.

RGPPL would have to scout for new buyers as Maharashtra had terminated its power purchase agreement (PPA) from January, citing unilateral change in the deal. RGPPL had disputed Maharashtra’s move.


BS