RGPPL to generate 600 MW more by month-end

Mumbai: Ratnagiri Gas & Power (RGPPL) plant at Dabhol will start generating additional 600 MW by month end, according to a press release issued by Maharashtra’s Minister for Energy, Mr Dilip Walse Patil.

The plant is currently generating about 650 MW. Since restarting of the plant after a protracted litigation in May 2006, it has been hamstrung by non-availability of natural gas and turbine problems.

GE had supplied main equipment such as turbines to RGPPL. The 2,150-MW full capacity of the plant has never been achieved.

Mr Patil had convened a meeting of senior officials of GE and other senior State Government officials at his residence to take stock of the situation at RGPPL.

The Minister expressed concern regarding interruptions and breakdowns in generating sets at RGPPL. GE officials denied any design deficiencies and manufacturing defects in the turbines, the release said.

They added that the same kind of turbines have been supplied globally which are now functioning efficiently.

However, the officials agreed the turbines at RGPPL plant have been malfunctioning, which has resulted in shortfall in power generation at the plant.

Mr Patil would be holding another meeting with RGPPL and GE officials at New Delhi. He would also be meeting colleagues from the Union Cabinet to sort out all critical issues concerning RGPPL, the release said.