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Optimistic of Orissa emerging as a power-surplus state by 2012-end, the State's Energy Minister, Mr Atanu S Nayak, on Wednesday accused the Centre of not cooperating with it to generate cheap electricity in the thermal power sector while replying to a debate in the assembly.
The peak demand of the State, which was around 2,800 MW two years ago, had crossed 3,300 MW now, and is expected to go beyond 3,600 MW by end of 2011-12, he said.
“We have made provisions to meet the demands in coming days. Besides signing MoUs with 29 independent power producers (IPPs), the State Government has identified 12 new hydro projects with installed capacity of 1,470 MW,” Mr Nayak said.
Of 29 IPPs, two units (50 MW by Aarti Steel Ltd and 600 MW by Sterlite Energy Ltd) have started generating power, the Minister said, adding that two more thermal power stations, by Ind Bharat Energy (Utkal) Ltd and Maa Durga Thermal Power Company Ltd, were expected to come on stream during a couple of months.
Besides, GMR Kamalanga Energy Ltd is also likely to add 350 MW capacity by end of ensuing financial year, he said.
This apart, NTPC plans to put up a 3,200-MW thermal power station at Darlipali and a 1,320-MW expansion in Talcher Thermal Power Station, Talcher, the Minister said, adding, “the State will get 50 per cent from each project totalling 2,260 MW.”
Of the 29 IPPs with installed capacity of 38,830 MW, the State was expected to get 6,699 MW as its share, he said.
On the Opposition's allegation that the State was ignoring hydro-power generation, the Minister said 12 such new projects have been identified and detailed project reports for hydro projects are under stages of preparation.
Of the 12 proposed hydro projects, Sindol-I (100 MW), II and III (210 MW) have made headway. These projects would be developed in a joint venture between NHPC and Orissa Hydro Power Corporation Ltd, he said.
The State Government, however, criticised the Centre for raising prices of coal used in thermal power generation.
“Mahanadi Coalfield Ltd has raised price of power-grade coal by 20 per cent,” he said, adding that this would adversely affect the cost of power and the consumers of the State.
This apart, forest clearance for coal mines to be used by Orissa Power Generation Corporation's capacity addition plan has not been received from the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
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