AGARTALA, June 6 (TIWN): Tripura State Electricity Corporation Ltd (TSECL) is contemplating to rope in with the Northeast Electric Power Corporation Ltd (NEEPCO) to enhance the power generation at two gas thermal power plants-Barmura and Rukhia.Currently, the Rukhia gas thermal plant has been producing 62 MW while the NEC sponsored Barmura gas thermal power project has been generating 42 MW power daily.

If Rukhia plant is converted into combine cycle power project, it could produce 30 MW extra power while Barmura thermal power plant could produce 20 MW extra power if it is being switched over to combine cycle mode, said an official of the TSECL here today.

According to preliminary study, twin gas thermal power plants could increase at least 50 MW power extra after the conversion.

“The plan is in the pipeline. Hopefully, the NEEPCO will agree on our proposal”, said the official.

As per the plan, a joint venture involving TSECL and NEEPCO will have to be put in place to push the ambitious project. “ If the plan is implemented, the power generation will be increased in the days to come”, he said.

Meanwhile, the power shortage will continue even after full-load operation of the Palatana’s first unit. “Though we are receiving 80/85 MW power from Palatana first unit, the net deficit stands at 40/50 MW when the mercury soars resulting in power cut for 30/40 minutes”, he pointed out.

The power cut could not be zero-down in the state untill Palatana’s unit-II comes up. The second unit is supposed to come up by September or October if everything falls in right place.