The Hindu Business Line : Eastern region `set to become power hub in a few years'

THE eastern region is all set to become a power hub in the country in a few years with 40-43 per cent of the total national investments earmarked for the creation of additional power generation capacities expected to be made in this region, largely in thermal and hydro-electricity projects.

Considering that power generation will be a profitable business proposition in the region, the Confederation of Indian Industry jointly with the West Bengal State Electricity Board (WBSEB), is organising a four-day international conference & exhibition titled `Power Mart-2005' from November 16.

Highlighting various facets of the conference, the Chairman of WBSEB, Mr M.K. De, told newspersons here that the power sector in the region had been neglected in the past due to inadequate transmission facilities, although the region had vast reserves of power grade non-coking and water resources to support massive generation of thermal and hydro-electricity. Such hindrance had since overcome following the creation of transmission and distribution network throughout the country. In fact, generating stations in the region have started exporting power to the power deficit States during off-peak hours at a premium tariff.

Mr. De said over 40 leading companies in the country covering utilities, transmission & distribution and equipment manufacturers would participate in the exhibition, showcasing the type of support they are ready to offer to prospective investors in the power sector.

He said the country had plans to augment power generation from 1,16,000 MW to 1,80,000 MW by 2011-12 which included a substantial portion from the eastern region. It is expected that major portion of generation from this region would be exported to the power deficit States.

Though fresh investment would play a crucial role in achieving the targeted generation, Mr De apprehended that non-availability of adequate quantity of domestic quality coal, low-cost distribution network and modern equipment might pose a problem for achieving the target. The conference would thus interact these issues as to guide domestic equipment manufacturers and prospective investors.

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