CHENNAI: Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Thursday said her government expected power generation to begin in Koodankulam Nuclear Power Project within two months. Presenting an overview of electricity generation projects in Tamil Nadu in a suo moto statement in the State Assembly, she said, “It is expected that KKNPP will start generating electricity in two months.” She also replied to the charge of some members that no new power projects were announced in the Budget for 2012- 13 to end the power shortage. She stated that Tamil Nadu had surplus electricity during her previous regime (2001-06) when 2,518 MW of additional installed capacity was created.The successive DMK regime however created just 206 MW. “That is why the State is reeling under power shortage now,” she said.The AIADMK government in the 2011-12 Budget had announced 800 MW Udangudi Extension Power Project, 1,600 MW Uppur Thermal Power Project, a plan to replace the Ennore Thermal Power Plant with a new 600 MW unit and 800 MW Tuticorin Thermal (Stage IV) Plant, totaling 3,800 MW, she added.“Now, my government has decided to set up a new 660 MW Ennore Thermal Power Extension Project based on the eco-friendly Super Critical technology which would mean less coal usage and increased power production,” she said. This project, to be implemented at an estimated cost of `3,960 crore, would begin production before the end of 2015.Pointing out that using alternative fuel like Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is important due to inadequate coal allotment by the Centre, she said the State would consider setting up an LNG-based 500 MW power generation plant after an LNG terminal was set up by the IOC.Also, by utilizing the LNG pipeline being set up by the public sector GAIL between Kochi and Bengaluru through Coimbatore, Salem and Dharmapuri, the government would evaluate setting up 500 MW power plants.On the status of ongoing projects, she said the feasibility report was being prepared for the 800 MW Udangudi Extension Thermal Power Project, which would come up during 2015-16. As regards the Uppur project, the pre-feasibility report has been finalized.The Anna University has been asked to delineate the plan boundaries in keeping with the coastal regulatory zone norms on January 28. Other works, including opening bids to prepare the Environmental Impact Assessment Report, are underway.The Uppur project would be operational before 2015. The pre-feasibility report is being prepared for the Super Critical 660 MW Ennore Thermal Power Project and this project too would go on steam by 2015. As for the 800 MW Tuticorin IV Stage Thermal project (which would start production by 2015), a consultant has been appointed to prepare the feasibility report and the Detailed Project report as well. The Vallur TNEB-NTPC JV plant’s first unit would generate power by June, the second by November and the third by next June.
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