The Hindu Business Line : Kothagudem 500 MW unit gets coal linkage

"As per the arrangement, it has been agreed to supply 2.5 mt of coal per year from Talcher. With all other facilities such as infrastructure and water supply in place, the project would be taken up soon. " Bid to supply 24-hour power for domestic consumers

Hyderabad , May 19

The Rs. 2100-crore 500 MW sixth unit of Kothagudem thermal plant has secured fuel linkage from the Western Coalfields, Talcher, and the work on the project is poised to take off shortly.

This follows a recent meeting of the Coal Linkage Committee in New Delhi, where the fuel supply arrangement was approved for the unit of AP Genco.

Addressing a press conference here today, the State Minister for Energy, Mr. Mohd Ali Shabbir, said as per the arrangement, it has been agreed to supply 2.5 million tonnes of coal per year from Talcher. With all other facilities such as infrastructure and water supply in place, the project would be taken up soon.

The Government was examining the issue relating to a proposal to revive BPL project in the State.

This follows a representation by the Japanese envoy to help revive the project. The company had claimed that thus far Rs. 399 crore was invested on the coal-based plant.

The Chief Minister, Dr.Y.S.Rajasekhara Reddy, would lay the foundation stone for the project, provided this does not have a bearing on the panchayat raj elections. The project would be completed within 30 months from the zero date of commencement of work, the Minister said.

The Government has also sought fuel linkage for the 1,600 MW Krishnapatnam coal plant to be taken up by Genco. This requires about 75 million tonnes per annum of coal.

No decision has yet been taken on this project. However, it is proposed to reconsider this proposal during the meeting slated for June.

24-HOUR POWER SUPPLY

The State Government has initiated steps to ensure round-the-clock power supply to domestic consumers from next week.

This would be possible as the demand for power has come down as the requirement for farm sector operations does not exists now with the rabi season coming to an end.

This is also supported by the addition of about 534 MW of power which was lost due to maintenance and other issues. All the four distribution companies have been asked to collate data with regard to supply of power to ensure that 24-hour supply is provided to the domestic consumers.

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