CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) will invest Rs 308 crore in developing a new coal jetty at VOC Port in Thoothukudi to cater to the requirements of the upcoming 2x800 MW super-critical Uppur thermal power project.
A memorandum of understanding was signed between Tamil Nadu Minister for Electricity, Prohibition and Excise P Thangamani and Union Minister of Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari on Monday to build the new coal jetty with an estimated capacity of 12 million tones per anum.
The new jetty, which will also cater to the Tuticorin thermal power station, wil have provision for shore unloaders and conveyor system.
Thangamani said that currently the coal requirement of about 6.3 million tons per annum for Tangedco’s thermal power station at Thoothukudi with an installed capacity of 1,050 MW is being met exclusively utilising Jetty I and II, constructed in 1983 and 1995 respectively, at the VOC Port.
Coal transportation to thermal power stations plays a key role in meeting the power demands of the State. Tamil Nadu has cut down on revenue losses by almost 50 per cent after it slashed its coal imports and started procuring coal from domestic markets.
According to Tangedco officials, the losses have come down to `5,786 crore in 2015-16 from `12,756 crore in 2014-15
North Chennai power supply hit for 20 to 30 minutes
Power supply to several parts of North Chennai was disrupted for nearly 20 to 30 minutes after the transmission lines from Tondiarpet to Basin Bridge connecting the 230-KV substation tripped, according to state Electricity Board sources. Sources said that the tripping was caused due to intense heatwave that gripped Chennai on Monday. Power supply to Sembium, Vysarpadi, Chintadripet and several other locations in North Chennai were hit and it was restored within 20 minutes, sources added