Five years after a Central panel under the then UPA-government had given its nod to switch Badarpur Thermal Power Station into a gas-based plant, the NTPC has shelved the project for now. The revelation comes at a time when Delhi is grappling with alarming levels of pollution and the State government is pushing for conversion of the plant to curb its particulate matter emissions. However, the reason — shortage of gas — cited by the NTPC for putting the plan on hold is something which is agreed upon by experts as well as the Delhi Government.
Explaining the ground for such decision, a senior NTPC official said: “There is hardly any gas available. The country has so many gas projects as non-performing assets (NPA) at present due to gas shortage. In case RLNG (re-gasified liquefied natural gas) is used, the cost of power will be in the range of Rs.11-Rs.12 per unit, which will never figure in the merit order for sale of power. Therefore, we will presently stick to reducing emissions in the existing coal-based plant and not talk about unrealistic plans.”
The central power generation company highlighted the issue even in its reply to the closure notice issued by Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). “NTPC, Badarpur had earlier explored possibility of gas for thermal power station and a FR (feasibility report) was also prepared. However, as surplus gas is not available at present this consideration is in abeyance,” the letter read.
Reacting to this, a Delhi Government official said: “It is true that there is acute shortage of gas for which even the Bawana plant is not running to its full capacity. But, the situation is set to improve in the near future. So, it will be ideal if they [the NTPC] shift to gas.”
In March, 2010, a Central panel had given its nod to the pre-construction activities for converting the plant into a gas-based plant. An Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) under the Environment Ministry had also issued the terms of reference (ToR) to the project proponent, the NTPC, asking it to prepare a detailed environment impact assessment (EIA) report and the environment management plan for the project.
