Several measures to increase power generation

The Centre is working out a number of measures to increase power generation and increase the pace of power project implementation aimed at ensuring energy security in the country. Speaking at the 62nd Annual General Meet (AGM) of The Indian Electrical & Electronics Manufacturers Association (IEEMA) in Mumbai on Wednesday, the Union Minister of State for Power Mr. Bharatsinh Solanki said that the government was working on bringing a few more Ultra Mega Power Projects to the bidding table. “So far, 14 such UMPPs have been identified at various locations in India. Four of these projects have already been transferred to successful bidder/developer based on the tariff-based bidding process laid down by the government. We expect a few units of these UMPPs to be operational during the XI Plan period itself,” the Minister said.

Mr. Solanki said the government had already strengthened the monitoring mechanisms and had set up a group of experts comprising Ex-Secretaries to ensure faster implementation of the power projects. The Union Minister also said that the government had put in place a process of bulk procurement to accelerate capacity addition. “To accelerate capacity addition, Govt. of India is going for bulk procurement of equipments for 660 MW units in the first phase with a total estimated investment of US$ 8 billion. The success of this process would pave the way for further bulk procurement in the coming years,” Mr. Solanki said.

The Union Minister informed that the government had also increased the outlays for the restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (R-APDRP) so as improve distribution. “With 1022 projects sanctioned with a project investment of Rs 3560 crores so far the scheme has been able to effect AT&C loss reduction of 2~3% during past three years,” the Union Minister said.

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AM(DD)--SB