GAIL keen to join NTPC in 2,000 Mw facility near Dabhol

State-run gas utility GAIL India is keen to join NTPC in a new 2,000 Mw power plant planned adjacent to the beleaguered Dabhol plant in Maharashtra.

"We feel that since GAIL and NTPC had come together to rescue Dabhol power plant (when it was in distress), GAIL should be part of any expansion that NTPC is planning (in better times)," GAIL Chairman and Managing Director B C Tripathi told reporters here.

NTPC is planning additional capacity of at least 2,000 Mw at the site adjacent to the Dabhol power plant at an estimated cost of about Rs 8,000 crore.

Dabhol power plant, built by US energy major Enron Corp, originally was planned with a generation capacity of 2,150 Mw but was later scaled down because of problems with equipment.

The plant is currently generating around 950 Mw and Ratnagiri Gas and Power (RGPPL) - the new owner of the Dabhol power plant and the adjacent LNG receipt facility - hopeful of reaching full capacity generation of 1,950 Mw by March.

"We have spoken to both NTPC and Power Ministry and have favourable response," Tripathi said adding RGPPL had enough land for the expansion.

NTPC and GAIL hold 29.65 per cent stake each of RGPPL and the Maharashtra government has a 15 per cent. The balance is with financial institutions.

RGPPL is likely to begin operating the 5 million tonnes a year liquefied natural gas receipt facility by April.