Govt. defends Norochcholai

In response to media queries over the usefulness and reliability of the Chinese-funded Norochcholai coal power plant, Power and Energy Ministry Secretary Ferdinando set the record straight, saying that there had been only five breakdowns since its commissioning in July 2011 and not 15 or 19 times as reported in the press.

“The Norochcholai coal power plant was commissioned one year ahead of schedule and it has strengthened the power sector. So far this year it has generated 572 GwH whilst last year it was 1,404 GwH and in 2011 the output was 1,038 GwH,” he added.

 “With regard to breakdowns, we are confident it will be minimal by later this year or next year. The five breakdowns experienced before were understandable as it was the country’s first coal power plant and the energy system was adjusting to it,” Ferdinando said.

The Secretary also said the capacity of the coal power plant would be expanded by 600 MW by later this year (300 MW each in September and December), thereby improving the cost-efficiency of the power sector.