Question : SIPAT POWER PLANT



(a) whether commissioning of 500 MW unit of Sipat Power Plant has been delayed;

(b) if so, the reasons therefor; and

(c) the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

Answer given by the minister


THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER( SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH )

(a) & (b) : Yes, Sir. The status of commissioning of Unit 4 & 5 (500 MW) of Sipat Thermal Power Project (STPP) is as follows:

Unit#4 (500 MW) :
Unit-4 (500 MW) of Sipat Stage-II (2x500 MW) was commissioned in May, 2007 and coal operation commenced in November, 2007 using stored water (last drawn in December, 2006). However, continuous generation could not be sustained as water supply was not available due to cancellation of water allocation by the Water Resources Department, Government of Chhattisgarh in September, 2007. Power generation would now be possible only after water is released on a regular basis by the Water Resources Department, Government of Chhattisgarh.

Unit#5 (500 MW) :
The commissioning of the Unit-5 (500 MW) was scheduled in December, 2007. Boiler Light up of the Unit was achieved in November, 2007, but subsequent commissioning activities were affected due to non-availability of water. Progress of work has also been partly affected due to agitation by the villagers of the local area since January, 2008. Although work has resumed from first week of April, 2008, water supply is yet to be restored by the Government of Chhattisgarh, which is affecting the commissioning schedule of the Unit.

(c) : NTPC Ltd. and the Ministry of Power have been continuously following up with the Government of Chhattisgarh to resolve the issues concerning the Sipat Thermal Power Project. Minister of Power has requested Chief Minister, Government of Chhattisgarh to issue necessary instructions for honouring the commitment already made by the Chhattisgarh Government and release the water immediately for operation of 1st Unit of 500 MW and commissioning of 2nd Unit of 500 MW. Minister of State for Power has held a meeting with the Chief Minister, Government of Chhattisgarh on 20.04.2008 to resolve the issues concerning the project.