Govt plans to take state’s power generation capacity beyond 30k MW

The state government is planning to increase Gujarat's installed power generation capacity by 19,000 MW in the next five years. This would take the state's total electricity generation capacity to over 30,000 MW.

Highly placed sources said the government has submitted a projection approach paper to the Planning Commission and has committed to add 14,622 MW power capacity during the 12th Five-Year Plan (2012 to 2017) from conventional sources.

The government is yet to submit plans for additional power generation from solar, wind and other renewable sources, officials close to the development said, adding that it will be around 5,000 MW.

"The state has planned to further the capacity through various sources like central sector generating stations, private companies and state owned generating stations. At the end of 12th (Five-Year) plan, the installed capacity in the Gujarat would be 30,337 MW against the projected capacity requirement of 24,600 MW to cater the anticipated demand of 19,670 MW," said an official.

"As per the projection based on various ongoing power projects and power purchasing agreements (PPA) signed by the government with private players, government utilities will add new capacity of 5,496 MW in the next five years while private companies are expected to generate 3,471 MW. The share of central power generating stations would be 5,666 MW," added the official.

Sources said the government is preparing projections for solar, wind and other renewable power generation potentials for the Ministry of Renewable Energy. "Once it is ready, a combined projection of 2014 and 2017 (12th plan) will be submitted to the Planning Commission and the Centre," said a source.

At the beginning of the 11th Five-Year Plan, the installed capacity in Gujarat was 9,663 MW, which has now increased to 13,914 MW.

The Gujarat Electricity Corporation Ltd (GSECL) has made capital expenditure (capex) of Rs 4,630 crore in the last five years for capacity addition and plans to invest around Rs 15,629 crore more in the next five years. Private players and central power generating stations in the state are expected to pump in nearly Rs 30,000 crore.

ALSO READ

ISRO centre in state to give thrust to India’s maiden mission to Mars

SC steps in, HC revokes transfer of magistrate hearing Zakia plea

Nine city cops booked for ‘custodial death’

HC raps Narendra Modi govt for 'shielding' accused cops