Plant Details

Power Plant

The natural gas based combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant with a capacity of 726.6 MW is configured with ultra-modern GE 9FA Heavy duty Gas Turbines. These gas turbines represent the world’s most experienced fleet of highly efficient 50 Hz large units with higher output. The 9FA gas turbine is configured with robust Dry Low NOx (DLN) 2.0+ combustor which is environment friendly, helps in achieving efficiency greater than 56% and emits NOx less than 25 ppm which is much lower than the prescribed limit. Online data of both chimneys is made available on the Central Pollution Control Board website for real time monitoring.

Transmission Project

North East had a very small capacity to absorb power and implementation of the generation project essentially required evacuation of power. Earlier, there were no high voltage 400/220 kV transmission lines in the entire state of Tripura. The power evacuation system entailed construction of a 400 kV AC transmission line from the power plant to 400 kV receiving substation of Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (“PGCIL”) at Bongaigaon in upper Assam over a distance of around 650 kms. PGCIL was appointed as the Project Management Consultant (PMC) for construction of the Transmission Line. The development and operation of the power transmission was undertaken by M/s North East Transmission Company Limited (NETC) a joint venture organization of OTPC.

Power Allocation

Power sale tariff for the power plant has been determined as per the Tariff Guidelines notified by Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC). Accordingly, tariff for power sale is based on a cost-plus recovery approach and comprises two parts namely, annual capacity (fixed) charges and energy (variable) charges for generation. However such tariff shall be subject to modification in the terms and conditions of tariff by CERC from time to time.

Allocation of Power

Sale of majority power from the project under long term arrangement to NER beneficiary states is based on allocation decided by the Ministry of Power. As per the allocation decided by the Ministry of Power, 683MW has been allocated to the North Eastern States. The balance 43MW can be sold on merchant basis by OTPC

Power Allocation as per the Ministry of Power Circular order dated February 25, 2022

StateAllocation (MW)
 Assam240
 Meghalaya79
 Manipur52
 Nagaland52
 Arunachal Pradesh22
 Mizoram42
 Tripura196
 Balance on merchant sales43

Total

500 MW

Source of Fuel

The 2x363.3 MW power plant at Palatana is fueled by natural gas which is sourced from nearby fields of ONGC

Source of Water

A perennial river, namely Gomati flows near the site, which is the source of water for the power plant.

Project Timelines

2004

MOA signed between ONGC & IL&FS and another MOA signed between IL&FS & GOT

2005

Laying of Foundation Stone

2008

EPC contract awarded to BHEL & GSPA signed with ONGC

2014

Unit -1 commissioned

2015

Unit-2 commissioned

2015

IIF-2 joins as investor

2022

GAIL joins as investor *

* GAIL took over the equity stake of IL&FS in Jan 2022

Asset Overview

  • 2 units X 363.3MW : 726.6 MW capacity
  • Operational since January 2014
  • Best in class 9FA GE Gas turbines
  • Renowned EPC contractor: BHEL
  • Long term gas agreement with ONGC
  • 25 year PPA for 683 MW (94% capacity)
  • Dedicated evacuation facility by NETC, which is part owned by OTPC