Intl Tech Park to get GAIL gas for power generation

International Tech Park, Bangalore (ITPB), at Whitefield, which meets its power requirements through dedicated power plant, is currently working on a mechanism to convert one of its units to generate power using piped natural gas from GAIL (India) Limited.

GAIL will supply 40,000 cubic metres of gas per day through its pipe. It will be supplied at Rs 44- 45 per cubic metre for captive power generation.

“The advantage of using gas is waste generation is minimal. Another is gas pipelines never go dry, so there is no chance of electricity failure or excess load, which will spoil electric appliances such as computers or air conditioners,” a GAIL official said.

Minimal wastage

ITPB has the option of switching off the valve of piped gas when not in use. In this manner, fuel is saved and wastage minimal. One of the prime aims of GAIL is to supply gas to industries for eco- friendly electricity generation. This is the first step in Bangalore. GAIL is presently supplying gas for combustion to industries on City outskirts like Bidadi.

ITPB, generates 20 MW of power everyday to meet its power requirements. Of which, 7.5 MW will be generated from gas through one of the generating units, Ascendas CEO (India-Operations) Lee Fu Nyap said.

“Reliable power supply is needed for IT, ITeS and other technology related businesses housed in ITPB. With dedicated power plant, we will provide reliable and quality power. By using gas, a cleaner source of energy, we aim to reduce carbon emission,” he added.

GAIL, which has laid 73 km of trunk gas pipeline in Bangalore, is laying pipelines at K R Puram to reach ITPB. Work on this eight km stretch is on since November, 2013, and two km of eight inch-diametre pipeline has been laid.