The construction of a combined cycle thermal power plant using liquefied natural gas ( Liquid Natural Gas – LNG) is of interest to international companies. If the firm Petronet has been interested in it since 2018 and an online newspaper mentioned it in 2019, since the Covid-19 pandemic, nothing on the side of the largest importer of liquid gas in India. Another option that the government is considering is to sign an agreement with a government of another country to build the thermal power plant, the investment of which is around Rs 12 billion today, after a 20% increase due to freight. However, in the circles concerned we learn that a Turkish company is eyeing the LNG contract.
Indeed, Karpowership, a subsidiary of Karadeniz Energy Group, based in Istanbul, is the first private exporter of electricity in Turkey. Today, the group owns and operates an installed capacity of more than 3,500 MW worldwide. According to a source, this company has appointed a local representative in order to initiate discussions in the higher spheres of government using all its contacts.
Asked for more details on Sunday, the representative denied and said he did not know Turkish society. According to a source, discussions have already started so that Karpowership can obtain the contract without any call for tenders. “Turkish representatives have made the trip to Mauritius three times, notably on July 20 and recently,” we explain.
There is also talk of a partnership with a Mauritian company. The express turned to Karpowership for clarification. Responses are awaited. However, it is pointed out that the Central Electricity Board (CEB) is not obliged to make a call for tenders, the body being exempt from the Public Procurement Act for the resale of electricity. But for the sake of good governance, it is explained that the organization follows the tendering procedures. “But if you circumvent the procedures, it becomes an unsolicited bid. What Karpowership wants to do.”
CEB land has already been identified in Bain-des-Dames for the construction of the gas-fired power plant. Karpowership would provide a barge with plug&play technology on a temporary basis pending the construction of the plant on site. But, says our source, the project is not economically viable. “Who will benefit? We are not in an emergency procurement. We don’t need LNG.” Note that according to projections, the CEB should reach 60% renewable energy in 2024.