Tripura’s Rukhia Power Plant to adopt advanced Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) technology, adding 120 MW capacity. Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath announces Rs 1,119 crore project to enhance efficiency and energy exports amid ongoing natural gas shortage.
The state government has announced the installation of Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) technology at the Rukhia Power Plant in Sepahijala district. The new project, expected to add 120 megawatt (MW) of power, marks a major technological upgrade aimed at addressing both the energy demand and gas supply constraints faced by the state.
Power and Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath announced on Monday that the foundation stone and Bhumi Pujan of the project will be held on November 26, signaling the formal launch of the new phase of Rukhia’s modernization.
“Despite the ongoing natural gas crisis, Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) has taken proactive measures to ensure an uninterrupted power supply. The introduction of advanced technology at Rukhia will enable us to maximize output with the same gas input,” Nath stated.
Modernization Amid Resource Challenges
Established to strengthen Tripura’s electricity infrastructure, the Rukhia Power Plant originally had an installed capacity of 63 MW during the 2017–18 period, but actual generation hovered around 40 MW due to fuel shortages and operational inefficiencies.
“In 2019–20, even with the gas supply crisis, we managed to generate 56 MW. However, the plant had to be shut down in 2022–23 because of delays in environmental clearance,” Nath explained.
He added that the issue was later resolved after the state government took the matter up directly with Union ministries and central authorities, leading to the final approval required to restart and modernize the project.
Efficiency Through Advanced Technology
The CCGT system, widely recognized for its high thermal efficiency and lower emissions, uses both gas and steam turbines to generate power from the same fuel source, thus improving energy conversion rates.
“With the same volume of gas, we’ll now be able to generate 120 MW—almost triple the plant’s earlier effective output. Though international gas prices remain high, the technology will deliver long-term efficiency and sustainability,” the minister said.
The total project cost is estimated at Rs 1,119 crore (excluding GST), making it one of the state’s largest energy infrastructure investments in recent years.
Push for Renewable Energy Integration
Acknowledging that natural gas is a depleting resource, Nath emphasized that the Tripura government is simultaneously advancing its focus on solar energy projects to ensure a balanced and renewable energy portfolio.
“While we strengthen gas-based generation for immediate needs, we are also developing solar installations across districts to diversify our power mix and secure future energy independence,” he said.
Tripura’s Expanding Energy Footprint
Tripura is among the few electricity-surplus states in the Northeast, contributing significantly to regional energy security. The state currently supplies over 100 MW of electricity to Bangladesh, and plans are underway to export power to Nepal as part of broader energy cooperation initiatives supported by the central government.
Although Tripura does not share a direct border with Nepal, the Himalayan nation’s proximity through bordering Indian states—Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand—offers logistical feasibility for power export through India’s interconnected grid system.
The idea, Nath mentioned earlier, is being explored through discussions with the Union Ministry of Power and neighboring states. “Tripura can play a key role in India’s regional power diplomacy by exporting clean and reliable electricity to friendly nations,” he noted.
Regional Cooperation and Energy Diplomacy
Tripura’s experience in cross-border electricity supply dates back to March 2016, when it began supplying 100 MW of power to Bangladesh from the ONGC Tripura Power Company (OTPC) plant in the Gomati district. Depending on demand and grid stability, supply has occasionally reached up to 160 MW, according to TSECL officials.
The continued energy partnership between India and Bangladesh has been hailed as a model for regional cooperation, and Tripura’s growing capacity is expected to strengthen this model further.
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With the Rukhia Power Plant upgrade, Tripura is positioning itself as both a domestic power hub and an international energy contributor, combining advanced gas technology with renewable expansion to ensure long-term sustainability, energy security, and economic growth.
