Efforts on to enhance generation capacity of RGPPL: Pranab

Ratnagiri, Dec 31 (UNI) The Centre plans to double the generation capacity of Ratnagiri Gas and Power Project Limited (RGPPL) to 5,000 MW, if permitted by its high powered committee.

''Efforts are already on at international level to make available gas required for the purpose,'' External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said after a day's visit of the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) to the RGPPL plant at Guhaghar taluka in this district.

Mr Mukherjee said that for the expansion of the plant, RGPPL will not be required to errect any additional infrastructure.

''Completing construction of breakwater wall and setting up of the LNG jetty is required at the moment. Funds from banks and financial institutions will be sought for the expansion to generate electricity upto 5,000 MW and ensure uninterrupted gas supply,'' the External Affairs Minister added.

He also expressed satisfaction that the power plant has not cast any adverse effect on horticulture, fisheries and environment in the region.

Mr Mukherjee along with Union Power Minister Sushilkumar Shinde, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh and Maharashtra Energy Minister Dilip Valse-Patil inspected the plant site and discussed the present situation of power generation.

The EGoM also discussed the hurdles coming in the way of fully operationalising the plant.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Valse-Patil said the demand to free Ratnagiri from load-shedding will be considered. He appealed to the local population to support the upcoming power generation projects in the district.

He informed that the Feeder Separation Programme will be completed by 2008, and there will be considerable respite from load-shedding.

Mr Valse-Patil added that the State Government is considering a proposal to set up an ITI Centre at Guhagar to train the local population on issues related to power generation projects.

UNI