Great Nicobar may soon get an international container terminal

NEW DELHI : Indian Government is working on ways to electrify the proposed development of Great Nicobar Island as an international container terminal and transshipment port through green energy and gas-based power. India plans to develop the proposed port at Galathea Bay in Great Nicobar Island of Andaman and Nicobar Islands as an international terminal and port. For this, the island is likely to be connected with green power and gas-based electricity.

“The possibility of solar energy is being explored. Since solar alone will not suffice, gas-based power is also being considered, said a government official, who did not wish to be identified.

The feasibility study for finding the right mix and the total capacity required is going on based on the current and anticipated demand, another official said.

The plan to “green the island” is at a conceptual stage and details have not been worked out, but all possibilities, including gas-based thermal power, are being explored, the person said.

Solar power alone will not be a viable option because it needs to be backed up with a base load, according to officials.

The plan for Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island also includes a greenfield international airport and township and area development.

The main vision for developing the island aims “to capture the locational advantage of being on international sea route and develop Great Nicobar as a sustainable, green, global hotspot for business, trade and leisure”, according to a document from the Pollution Control Committee of the union territory.

The document also said an investment of Rs 72,000 crore is proposed to be invested in integrated development facilities in the project.

The Great Nicobar Island lies to the south of the Andaman Islands. It is the largest of the cluster of islands and in the southernmost of the group of Nicobar Islands, about 520 km from Port Blair.