Stadium goes green, gets its own gas turbine

Around this time next week, officials of Delhi’s Public Works Department will be getting ready to receive a very special shipment — all the way from Switzerland.

Around this time next week, officials of Delhi’s Public Works Department will be getting ready to receive a very special shipment — all the way from Switzerland.

HT Image

And once put to use, the content of the shipment will help make the Commonwealth Games a lot “greener” event and a few neighbourhoods in South Delhi a lot brighter at night.

It’s a gas turbine meant for Thyagraj Stadium near the INA market.

During the Games, the 2.5 MW power generated from it will run the stadium. After the Games, the same power will light up at least 625 homes in nearby areas.

“The 2.5 MW is more than enough to run the stadium, which will not see any power disruption,” said a PWD official, requesting anonymity.

“It will make the venue more environment friendly, and using the power for the public after the Games makes good sense,” the official said.

But this novel project has already raised some doubt regarding its viability as an asset after the Games because of the cost. The estimated per-unit cost is expected to be Rs 10 — three to five times more than what discoms get from other power sources.

The quantum of power in question, fortunately, is miniscule compared to Delhi’s total power consumption, which is expected to cross the 5,000 MW-mark this year.

“Since the government is pushing the project, it might get through because the total power generated is too meagre,” the source said.