Wartsila India Plans to Build LNG Terminals in India

Wartsila India is firming up plans to build LNG terminal and ship building projects, develop mid size LNG based power plants as EPC contractor, company’s President and MD Kimmo Kohtamaki told Business Standard, a financial daily.

The company has set of target of 2 to 5 per cent annually growth in India by taking up projects in LNG terminal, LNG based power plants, ship building, integration of renewables.

“As far as LNG based power projects are concerned, the company is exploring opportunities at the all India level.  But, at present projects in Maharashtra, Kerala and Andaman are being pursued. We will jointly develop LNG terminals with local partners and Warstila India will be EPC contractor,” Kohtamaki said.

According to Business Standard, Warstila will also look to supply equipment for 40 MW LNG based power plants and also take care of its operations.

India’s renewable energy space is also on company’s radar. ‘’At least on solar side Wartsila India will be involved as equipment supplier as we see good opportunities there. As a beginning looking at solar projects up to 100 MW,’’ he added.

With projections of rapid growth in demand for gas, a lot of companies are already building LNG terminals on India's west and east coasts. India’s oil ministry expects country’s LNG import terminal capacity to double in next six years amid rising demand for imported fuel. According to a document released by the ministry on June 3, country’s LNG terminal capacity will likely rise to 47.5 million tonne per annum (mtpa) by 2022 from the current 21.3 mtpa as existing terminals expand capacity and new ones get commissioned.

Demand for gas in India is expected to be driven by refineries, fertilizer and power plants.