AGARTALA, June 11 (TIWN) : The NEEPCO-run Agartala Gas Thermal Power (AGTP) project is likely to add 52 MW more power to its current generation of 84 MW power by end of this year.The upgradation of AGPT is scheduled to be completed by October itself but the implementing agency hopeful of completing the project work by end of this year.Under upgradation project with an estimated cost of Rs. 291 crore, there would two units of combine cyele mode. The steam turbine for first unit has already been fixed while another turbine is expected to arrive at AGTP (RC Nagar) in Jirania subdivision by end of this month.

“The main advantage of the extension project is that there will be no need of supplying additional gas to run steam turbine. The present supply of gas will be well enough to increase the power generation capacity of AGTP project”, said an official of NEEPCO here today.

The move to covert the AGTP project from open cycle to combine cycle will not only be beneficial for the NEEPCO but also ensure optimum utilization of natural gas, according to experts.

As a host state, Triupura is expected to receive 20 percent power from the proposed projects while the rest will be distributed among other NE states.

If the NEEPCO’s far reaching plan is get implemented, its power generation capacity will be increased by 119 MW power apart from the ill-fated Manarchak power plant.

The proposed Manarchak power plant is expected to generate 101 MW power and which could be upgraded further if gas supply is ensured for upgradation plan.

As of now, the ONGC is not in a position to give commitment to supply additional power plants as it has been struggling with its own child- Palatana unit-II.