The Hindu Business Line : AP plea for ultra mega power project

The Andhra Pradesh Government has requested the Centre to consider the possibility of establishing an ultra mega power project (about 4,000 MW capacity) in the State, based on the State's performance in the power sector and the projected demand-supply scenario.

In separate letters addressed to the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, and the Union Power Minister, Mr Sushil Kumar Shinde, the Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, wanted the Centre to consider a mega project for Andhra Pradesh on the lines of those proposed to be set up in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka.

Making out a case for another project in the State, similar to the proposal made by the Union Government, the Chief Minister expressed that a project of similar capacity would help meet the increasing demand.Dr Reddy wrote "this is an innovative move to fulfil our mission of power for all. Such large size power projects, using supercritical technologies, will lead to supply of power at cheaper rates."

Andhra Pradesh, with its vast coastline, is ideally suited for setting up one such coal-based ultra mega power project. The State Government has already identified a site near Krishnapatnam in Nellore district where the power project could be established using imported or blended coal. Once the Centre gives the nod, necessary infrastructure such as land and water will be made available at Krishnapatnam. The minor port coming up at Krishnapatnam will be ready by 2007. There is enough scope to develop it further to handle the required coal imports for the power project.

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