Tripura is set to strengthen its power grid as a natural‑gas shortage tightens energy supply. The state will add 120 megawatts of new capacity to the Rukhia Power Plant in Sehapijala district by installing Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) technology.
Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath—who also handles agriculture—announced that the foundation stone will be laid on November 26. He explained that the move will let the plant run more efficiently, using the same amount of gas to produce a much higher output.
“In 2017‑18 the Rukhia plant ran at just 40 MW out of its 63‑MW design capacity,” Nath said. “In 2019‑20 we pulled it up to 56 MW despite the gas crisis, but the plant shut down last year because we were waiting for environmental clearance. I pushed the issue through central ministries and got the permits.”
The new CCGT system will boost output to 120 MW while keeping gas consumption steady. Even with rising international gas prices, the technology will deliver higher efficiency and steadier supply for consumers.
The upgrade will cost about ₹1,119 crore, excluding GST. While natural gas dwindles, Tripura is also investing in solar projects to diversify its energy mix.
Tripura already supplies excess power to neighbours. Since March 2016 it has fed more than 100 MW to Bangladesh from a plant in Gomati district, sometimes reaching 160 MW. The state is now eyeing exports to Nepal. A plan is under discussion, and a recent meeting in New Delhi is expected to decide the next steps. Although Tripura does not border Nepal, the country shares a long border with several Indian states, making regional power trade feasible.
With these upgrades, Tripura aims to keep its power supply reliable and continue its role as an electricity‑surplus state in Northeast India.
Source: ianslive
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