Ahmedabad:
This news might come as a breath of fresh air for residents of Gandhinagar as the state government deliberates over converting the thermal power plant in the state capital to a gas-based plant. In fact, other thermal power plants in the state may also be converted to gas if the Gandhinagar project is successful.
"We are considering various options to reduce pollution from the Gandhinagar thermal power plant. Converting the thermal plant into a gas-based plant is one of the options. We may also replace the two oldest units of the power plant with new units in a bid to check the pollution levels," DJ Pandian, Principal Secretary, Energy & Petrochemicals Department, told DNA.
The state government has asked L&T to do a study checking the viability of such a conversion and the other options. "We expect to get the report by the end of this year," Pandian said.
The Gandhinagar Thermal Power Station is an 870 MW power plant, comprising two 120 MW units and three 210 MW units. The first two units were commissioned in 1977, and being the oldest, are responsible for causing the highest pollution from the plant. In the past, the Gujarat Pollution Control Board had issued several notices to the plant for exceeding pollution levels.
Pandian said that they have taken various steps to curb pollution from the power plant, including shutting down of the two oldest units. The method to dispose the fly ash generated by the power plant has also been changed to reduce pollution.
He said, "Pollution caused by the plant will automatically go down if it is converted to gas-based plant. Besides, coal is in short supply in the state, while gas availability situation is much better".
"Other thermal power plants may undergo similar conversions as well, provided the Gandhinagar project is successful. But, it all depends on the report", added Pandian.
Official sources said that other thermal power plants in the state such as Wanakbori in Kheda and Ukai in Tapi district may also be converted to gas-based plants.
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