'LNG power plants unviable'.

Power production using liquefied natural gas (LNG) is not economically viable, according to KSEB Chairman M Shivsankar.

Speaking after inaugurating a meeting of the Mission LNG Programme organised by the Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry here, he said the production cost using natural gas would be higher compared to the electricity generated from hydroelectric projects.

He pointed out that there is very little scope for more hydroelectric projects in Kerala. So, higher generation of electricity from the existing facilities should be explored.

The NTPC plant at Kayamkulam is in the process of converting to LNG from naphtha. The Brahmapuram project will also be using LNG. Any more investment by KSEB in gas-based power generation will lead to increase in power tariff, he added.

He also suggested ways to explore the possibilities of new projects using coal.


HBL