L&T suggests flexibility in power plant capacities
September 2, 2008 – 1:43 pmExecutives from Larsen &Tubro (L&T) have called upon the power ministry to discuss that power project capacities of 660 mw and 800 mw should be classified as nominal capacities. According to L&T, with the various designs of turbines available in domestic market now, the players should be given the freedom to offer plant capacities within + 5% of the nominal specified capacities.
This proposal will give power producing companies freedom to select the most optimum size and save overall project cost. This system also allows power plant manufacturers to choose the best heat rates for the system, resulting in low coal consumption and carbon dioxide generation.
Recently the power ministry has taken a decision to promote power projects with capacities of 660 mw and 800 mw in the 12th Plan and beyond. Analysts admit that the power ministry’s decision will ensure the pace of capacity additions is accelerated and the power will be produced at an efficient and environment-friendly manner.
In India Mitsubhishi joined hands with L&T to produce power plants for the country’s requirements. L&T achieved a significant breakthrough when the first order for a 2×800 mw super-critical steam turbine generator was awarded to it by Andhra Pradesh state power utility APPDCL. Apart from demand for flexible capacity L&T is also asking government for the commercial comparison and ranking of various bidders should be based on Rupees per megawatt, since bidders can offer any size in the above range.