(a) whether the power generation targets are being seriously compromised due to over-reliance on coal-based thermal power
projects despite constant failure of coal production targets;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has assessed the adverse impact of power shortage in terms of per cent reduction in Gross
Domestic Product; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF POWER ( SHRI K.C. VENUGOPAL )
(a) & (b): The target for electricity generation in the country are fixed on year to year basis keeping in view factors such as present capability of the existing plants and duration of their scheduled planned maintenance including schedules for R&M, schedule of commissioning/stabilization of new units, schedule of retirement of vintage units, anticipated fuel (such as coal, gas etc) supply. The installed capacity of coal/lignite based thermal power plants is 56% and of the total installed capacity, their contribution in electricity generation is about 70%.
(c) & (d): The details of growth in Electricity Generation and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) during the last five years given below.
Year Growth in Electricity Generation Real GDP (Factor Cost)
2007-08 6.3% 9.3% 2008-09 2.7% 6.7% 2009-10 6.6% 8.4% 2010-11 5.1% 8.39% 2011-12 8.1% 6.88% (AE)