Agartala, Feb 4 � Tripura, which has tremendous potential in gas-based power generation, is likely to earn Rs 150 crore annually after the commissioning of three power projects � the 726 MW Palatana, the 104 MW Manarchak and the 52 MW RC Nagar.
As per the power purchase agreements, the State will receive around 196 MW from the Palatana mega power project while 104 MW will be received from NEEPCO�s proposed Manarchak power plant. But the State will receive less power from the RC Nagar power project, only 10 MW. The State�s power stock will get a major boost after induction of 98 MW to its kitty from the Palatana power project by the end of this year.
However, the State will have to wait as the Manarchak power plant is scheduled to be set up within the next 36 months. As of now, the State needs 203 MW power in peak hours while its own generation stands at 106.90 MW. It is being augmented from Central power agencies.
According to experts, the State will be able to sell huge power to other States in the days to come. �The State is expected to earn at least Rs 150 crore annually by selling power,� said an official of the Tripura State Power Corporation Ltd (TSECL) here on Friday.
He said there is no dearth of intending buyers. �Assam and other mainland States which are reeling under severe power shortage are very keen to buy power. Besides, Bangladesh also wants to buy power from Tripura to tide over the power crisis,� he pointed out.
However, he underlined need for improvement in the power transmission system. �The transmission loss needs to be mitigated if the Government wants to gain hefty profit,� he added.
It may be noted that Union Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde in his maiden visit to Tripura had predicted a bright future for the North-east, especially Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura. Arunachal Pradesh alone can produce 60,000 MW hydropower if its full potential is tapped, he had said while speaking at a conference on opportunities in the power sector at Prajna Bhavan here recently.
He said that Tripura would also become one of the richest States in the entire country after coming up of three power projects � Palatana, Manarchak and the power unit at NEEPCO�s RC Nagar plant. According to a study, the North-east can meet the country�s 65 per cent energy requirement but only five per cent is tapped so far.
Referring to the erection of transmission line up to Bangladesh, Shinde assured that he would look into the matter. �Bangladesh is one of the best neighbours and Tripura�s demand can be considered,� he said.
Earlier, Tripura Power Minister Manik Dey urged the Union Minister to erect power transmission line up to Bangladesh in order to ensure power trade with the neighbouring country.
