Surat Lignite Power Plant – 2 x 125 MW Expansion Project
On the occasion of Swarnim Gujarat Celebrations in the State of Gujarat, the Company is happy to announce the Commercial Operations of 250 MW Expansion Project (Unit 3 & 4 of 125 MW each) at Village Nani Naroli, Taluka –Mangrol, District Surat (Gujarat). Unit No. 4 (125 MW) is now declared in Commercial operations with effect from 28.04.2010 as per the terms and conditions of Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) executed by the Company with Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL). Unit No. 3 (125 MW) was already earlier declared in Commercial operations from 19.04.2010 onwards. With this mile stone, the expansion project of 250 MW is now fully functional and operational.
Expansion of Lignite Mines (SLPP)
Along with the power plant expansion project, the company will also develop a new lignite mine adjacent to its existing mine, for which new mining leases and all necessary clearances including environmental clearance have been obtained. The new mines, where the cost of mining is going to be much lower than in the existing one, will reduce the cost of generation even in the existing power plant. The lignite mines of GIPCL have adequate exploitable reserves to support 1000MW generation.
Expansion Phase - III - 500 MW At Surat Lignite Power Plant
Government of Gujarat has consented to allot 500 MW Expansion Phase-3 to Gujarat Industries Power Company Limited.
Underground Gasification of Lignite (UCG)
Corporate level Research & Development (R&D) activities and to help the State and Nation at large with alternative sources of Hydrocarbon, GIPCL is embarking on the Pilot Project activities of Underground Gasification to be carried out adjacent to its existing Vastan Lignite Mine.
In the above Underground Lignite Gasification process, the deep seated un-minable lignite situated at the depth of around 1000 feet shall be partially burnt to produce what is popularly called Syn-Gas at that depth itself and it could yield huge quantity of low calorific value Synthetic gas (mixture of H2 and CO) and can replace/ supplement the present needs of our energy / hydrocarbon needs for which we have to import high quantity of crude oil and natural gas.
For this project, the MOU with ONGC was signed in the year 2006 and GIPCL plans to complete the pilot project by the year 2010.