Ramanad District: Thermal power stations likely

RAMANATHAPURAM: The AIADMK government seems to be exploring all possible ways and is firm to shore up the energy production to put an permanent end to the power crisis in the State.Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa clearly demonstrating that easing the power situation in the State was her utmost priority, which she promised during her poll campaign, made a statement on the floor of the House  assuring that the duration of the load shedding would be brought down from three hours to two hours.  As a first steps towards ending the power crisis, within a few weeks after taking over the Jayalalithaa’s government rectified the problem in Vazhuthur gas turbine plant, which resumed functioning some days ago. This has come as a boon to the Southern districts as the power generation has slowly started to look up.As a next major step that will ensure significant increase in the power production in the State, a team led by Hansraj Varma, the chairman and managing director of Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB), and other technical experts, on Tuesday visited Ramanathapuram district to conduct a feasibility study on establishing two mega thermal power plants one at Thiru Uthirakosamangai and the other at Thiruvadanai.The TNEB has decided to instal two units each in both these plants. Around 800 MW power can be generated from one  unit and a large quantity of power can be sent to the grid later.  The team ascertained from local TNEB officials details regarding availability of coal and other infrastructure facilities to establish the plants. Probably if team finds the plants are feasible, the next process will be land acquisition in the respective locations.The TNEB authority had already sent a proposal to establish thermal power plants in different parts of the district, sources said.An official source, on condition of anonymity, told The New Indian Express that the Super Thermal Power Plant would be a boon for the district and soon end the year-long problem of power shutdown. The district currently possesses a gas turbine power plant run by the TNEB and some other private power plants.  The TNEB is procuring energy from the private power plants for a reasonable price, at present.