Chennai power station

Chennai power station -- referred to during the pre-commission stage by Platts as the 'Gummidipoondi OPG power station', is a proposed 394 megawatt (MW) coal-fired power station owned by OPG Power Ventures which is currently under construction. The power station is located near Gummidipoondi, Thiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu, India.

Location
The map below shows the location of the project.

Background
The first 77MW unit, referred to by OPG as 'Chennai 1', was commissioned in April 2010 and is operated by Tata Power. Another 77MW unit, referred to by OPG as Chennai II, is currently under construction and is scheduled to be commissioned in 2012.

Beyond this expansion, the company have sought approval for a 160MW addition (in two 80 MW phases) to be commissioned in 2013. According to the company, "The land for the project has been acquired and with the public hearing completed, final environmental clearances for the project are expected during Q1 2011. Equipment for the project has been ordered and construction is expected to commence in 2011." In an Environmental Impact Assessment (undated), OPG Power Ventures describes two expansions, one of 160MW and the other of 80MW, for a total of 240MW. It is not known whether the company currently intends to pursue both of these expansions, or only the 160MW expansion described on the company's website.

Coal supply
In the executive summary of the Environmental Impact Assessment, OPG state that the project would source over 2.1 million tonnes a year with 860,000 tonnes from an unspecified Indonesian source and 1.3 million tonnes from Mahanadhi Coalfields.

Water supply
OPG state in its environmental assessment that water for the proposed expansion would be obtained from groundwater sources via a bore well.

Project Details
Sponsor: OPG Power Ventures Location: Gummidipoondi, Tamil Nadu, India Coordinates: 13.437438,80.093182 Status: One 77MW unit commissioned, another 77MW under construction, 160 MW in advanced development, 80MW proposed Nameplate capacity: 394MW Type: Subcritical Projected in service: additional 77MW unit in 2012, additional 160MW in 2013, additional 80 MW proposed Coal Type: Coal Source: 50% unspecified Indonesian mine(s); 50% indigenous coal from Mahanadhi Coalfields Estimated annual CO2: Source of financing:

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