India: Natural gas as solution for power crisis

Discussing the price of natural gas in the country has become a significant issue for the government and the industry. The issue, however, is that we must use whatever resources we have as efficiently as possible.

While the hydrocarbon reserves – both oil and gas – are depleting fast, prices are bound to go up. The efficient use of natural gas can prove to be a reliable solution to this problem and state governments and industry needs to step up the adoptation of fuel efficient methods, especially for power generation Ajit C Kapadia, vice chairman, Centre for Fuel Studies and Research, said.
Combined cooling, heating and power (CCHP) mode must be given top priority as it can be the ideal solution. Kapadia told Business Standard, “The Planning Commission report on integrated energy policy and the statement by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and former President APJ Abdul Kalam stress efficient use of our fuel and energy resources. Natural gas in large quantities — to the extent of 80 to 100 mscmd is likely to be available in next 2-3 years beginning June 2008. The ongoing debate on price of NG may be too hot to handle but instead the focus should be on efficiency.”

Suggesting the CCHP mode as a solution, he said, “It has been experienced not only by international community but by Indian industries as well that when NG is used in combined cooling, heating and power (CCHP) mode, it is possible to get 75-90 per cent thermal efficiency.”

Business Standard