The Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) and Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) have discussed direct gas pipeline connectivity to five gas-based power plants in the state — Valuthur (187 MW), Basin Bridge (120 MW), Thirumakottai (108 MW), Kuttalam (101 MW), and Pillai Perumalnallur (330 MW).

In the first phase, regasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) will be supplied to the Valuthur plant in Ramanathapuram via IOCL’s existing 440-km pipeline from Ennore port to Thoothukudi port. TNEB Chairman J Radhakrishnan urged IOCL to prepare a project report for extending the pipeline to Basin Bridge in Chennai to ensure uninterrupted power supply during peak demand.

IOCL GM Suman Kumar Mishra confirmed a report for Valuthur is ready and work will begin on Basin Bridge’s proposal. Another round of discussions is planned to advance the connectivity project.