Kerala positive for energy development

A high level meeting convened by Kerala CM, Oommen Chandy, at his chamber resolved to make the proposed 1050 MW power project a joint venture between Petronet and State Electricity Board.

The meeting was attended by the Chief Minister, Electricity Minister Aryadan Mohammed, Industries Minister PK Kunjalikkutty, and Petronet MD, A K Balyan.

The chief minister and other ministers promised government's assistance in implementing the project as per schedule. A demand came up in the meeting to enhance the capacity of the terminal. Balyan assured that capacity can be enhanced to any extent provided marketing prospects of the gas is assured.

The project began with a capacity of twenty five lakhs tons of LNG. Later on company board increased it to 50 lakhs. The state government likes to enhance it to 1.5 crore tons in view of the developments envisaged in Kerala and the projects in energy field. The 50 lakh ton project requires an estimated amount of 4250 crores Rupees.

Although a power plant had been projected in connection with Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal, the delay in getting land from the port authorities and the disputes therein cause delay. A consensus was reached in the meeting for the acquisition of the land. It will be submitted before the cabinet for approval.