First batch of GE gas turbines for Rel Power plant reach AP

Hyderabad : Anil Ambani-led Reliance Power, which is developing a 2,400 MW gas-based plant at Samlkot in Andhra Pradesh, on Thursday said the first batch of two gas turbines from General Electric (GE) reached Kakinada port, from where it has been dispatched to the project site. These turbines have reached over a month in advance. Early arrival of gas turbines is expected to help the company implement the entire project ahead of schedule, Reliance Power said in a statement here.

"Early arrival of shipment will help Reliance Power commission all the gas turbines of the 2,400 MW gas-based project within the 11th Five-Year Plan (2007-12). On complete commissioning, the project will contribute over 16,000 million units (kWh) to the power deficit southern region," it said. Reliance Power had placed the main plant equipment order for its Samalkot Expansion Power Project with the US firm in October last year. The order, comprising six gas turbines, 3 steam turbines and generators, is supported by long-term project recourse finance from the US Exim bank.