Question : SHORTAGE OF FUEL

(a) whether the Government proposes to supply cheap Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) for power plants on the verge of closure because of fuel scarcity;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the electricity likely to be generated therefrom;

(c) the modalities worked out by the Government in this regard along with the number of power plants that will be benefited; and

(d) the other steps taken/being taken by the Government to help the power companies that are facing closure due to fuel scarcity?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR POWER, COAL AND NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY ( SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL )

(a) to (c) : Government of India has sanctioned a scheme for importing spot RLNG in 2015-16 and 2016-17 for the stranded gas based power plants as well as for plants receiving domestic gas upto the target PLF selected through a reverse e-bidding process. The scheme provides for financial support from PSDF (Power System Development Fund). The outlay for the support from PSDF has been fixed at Rs 7500 crores (Rs. 3500 crores and Rs 4000 crores for the year 2015-16 and 2016-17 respectively). The list of such plants is given at Annex-I and Annex-II.

(d) : After the cancellation of 204 Coal Block by the Hon`ble Supreme Court vide its judgment dated 25.08.2014 and order dated 24.09.2014, Government of India had promulgated an Ordinance (now replaced by an Act) for re-allocation of the cancelled Coal Blocks through auction/allotment. So far, 46 coal blocks have been allocated through auction/allotment to the power sector.