Hydel power to generate additional 50,000 MW

Patna, May 29 (UNI) Union Energy Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde today said generation of hydel power would rise by another 50,000 MW in the country during the next few years.

Mr Shinde told newspersons here that the country was generating 32,000 MW of hydel power but more could be achieved by proper utilisation of technology and water resources.

He said the scope for improving nuclear power had drawn the government's attention, adding that although the nuclear powers share was only three per cent in total power generation but the picture was more rosy after signing an agreement with the US. He, however, did not dwell on the agreement.

Meanwhile, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said the National Hydro Electric Power Corporation (NHPC) was asked few months back to prepare a detailed project report for generating hydro power in the Kaimur region of the state but the NHPC was yet to respond.

The Energy minister said a similar project was approved for West Bengal by the Centre and now Bihars project should also be expedited.

Mr Shinde said barring Kosi hydel power project which was a new one, the other two hydel power projects -- Indrapuri and Kaimur (pump storage system) could not be implemented for the last several years due to the various reasons.

He said the coal reserves were limited and hence more emphasis should be made on improving power generation through alternative sources. A place had been identified in Nawada district for generation of nuclear power, he added.

UNI DH SP/SRC1432