Bihar can generate 3000 MW hydel power

Patna, May 30: Bihar is all set to make a right blend of both thermal and hydel power for meeting its growing needs of electricity in view of the new NDA governments thrust to prepare the state for a turnaround, particularly in the industrial sector.

State Energy Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav told sources here that the government, besides exploiting full potential of generation of thermal power, would leave no stone unturned on maximimising generation of hydel power which according to preliminary reports, could reach up to 3000 mw if the potential was fully exploited.

He 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 various reasons.

Mr Yadav said the Kosi hydel project was of immense value as the Kosi river was 'sourced' by the Himalaya, thus making sufficient availability of water throughout the year. He said the Bihar State Hydroelectric Corporation and experts of IIT, Roorkee, had estimated that 126 mw of power could be generated through the Kosi hydel power station.

Similarly, Indrapuri and Kaimur projects (pump storage sytem) had a good potential of augmenting hydel power generation significantly.

He said the government would like to purchase or generate at the least cost per unit but it would not come as a hindrance in the objective of the industrial growth. He said electricity was not only required but also necessary for industrial units and other purposes and hence cost of generation was not such of a high significance.

The Minister said after signing MOUs with the central power agencies, the scenario was poised to change forever in generation of thermal power. He said renovation and modernisation of Kanti and Barauni thermal power stations would give a fresh impetus to the governments concern for supplying quality and uninterrupted power supply to end users.

UNI