LNG terminal a boost for gas-based power in Kerala

The commissioning of the greenfield LNG terminal at Puthuvype near Kochi is expected to boost gas-based power production in Kerala.

With the availability of low-cost LNG for power generation, the state has proposed new power projects to the tune of 3,700-Mw per annum. Until now, it had relied on hydo-electric projects to meet its power requirements. Besides, it is also seriously considering greenfield gas-based projects and shifting of existing diesel-based projects to gas-based.

Moreover, Petronet LNG is speeding up its gas-based power project in the state soon after the commissioning of Phase-I of Kochi LNG terminal recently. AK Balyan, managing director, Petronet LNG, said it had already finalised the detailed feasibility report of the project, and was in close association with the state in its implementation.

The company has planned to establish a 1,200-Mw per annum plant. He said in the first phase it would produce 400-Mw green energy from this plant, which will be constructed at Puthuvype near the LNG terminal.

Kerala is keen on the project as power shortage is a serious problem, especially during summer. This will be a combined cycle gas turbine project with an investment of Rs 2,250 crore.

The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) will set up a 400-Mw LNG-based power plant at Brahmapuram near Kochi with a total expenditure of Rs 3,200 crore. M Sivasankar, board chairman, said KSEB would fund the project on its own.

The  board  has decided to refloat tenders for identifying a consultant to perform environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the project. Fresh tenders would be invited soon by scrapping the existing one, but the KSEB has decided to search a wider field this time for the consultant. Brahmapuram is among the three big projects of KSEB that hinges on gas availability from the Kochi LNG terminal.  

The state government has proposed to set up a gas-based power project at Cheemeni in the northern Kasargod district with private participation.

According to a proposal submitted in the Emerging Kerala summit, 1,100-1,200-Mw of electricity would be generated from the plant. The state has identified 200 acres in Cheemeni village for the project.

LNG for the proposed plant will be available once the Kochi - Mangalore, Kochi - Bangalore pipeline for gas distribution is ready. But the slow pace in the construction of the pipeline is a major hurdle to the project. Of the 900 km total pipeline, only 30 km has been laid so far.

The state also expect 400 Mw from the Kudankulam atomic reactor  in Tamil Nadu.