Gseg Plans To Commission Gas Turbines By Nov

Gujarat State Energy Generation Ltd (GSEG) today successfully test fired the first gas turbine at its 156 mw natural gas-based combined cycle power project at Hazira and then ran it on full speed and achieved its synchronisation with the grid of Gujarat Electricity Board (GEB) system.

Emphasising that in the present scenario, where almost all power projects are facing difficulties and no new capacities are being added, GSEG managing director Sanjay Gupta claimed that his company has created a record of its own by synchronising its first gas turbine in record time of 16 months from zero date of EPC contract.

GSEG is being promoted by Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation Ltd (GSPC), in association with other state sector companies like Gujarat Electricity Board, Gujarat Industrial Power Corporation Ltd, Gujarat Industrial Investment Corporation as well as central sector PSUs such as Kribhco and Gail.

The GSEG power project would comprise of two gas turbines of 52 MW each, two heat recovery steam generators and one steam turbine of 52 MW. Alstom is supplying GT 8C2 machine, which has the most advanced technology. The plant would be run by the latest automation control system and would offer high efficiency and availability, Gupta said.

GSEG expects commissioning of both gas turbines by end of November and combined cycle commissioning in February 2002. GSEG has long-term gas supply agreement with GSPC-Niko, while it has signed power purchase agreement with GEB for sale of power from the plant. Steag Encotec GmbH is working as operation and maintenance contractor, he added.

Claiming that GSEG is today the fastest developing independent power producer (IPP) in India, Gupta said that it started planning its activities only in March 1998.

"GSEG proceeded aggressively with the development of the project and arranged funds through innovative financing methods. EPC contracts were awarded to leading gas turbine manufacturer Alstom following the international competitive bidding route and Alstom was entrusted the job on lumpsum turnkey basis. Zero date for EPC contracts was June 1, 2000," he elaborated.