Subramanian stresses on speedy completion of power projects

Guwahati, Nov 4 (UNI) Union secretary for New and Renewable energy Department V Subramanian today stressed on the need for speedy implementation of all ongoing projects for enhancement of power generation in Northeast.

After a review meeting with the states nodal agencies and other energy players of the region, he told reporters that the Union Government has offered a special package of 90 per cent grant for seven NE states and Sikkim for renewable energy projects.

The states should take advantage of this, he added.

The review meeting was held yesterday with about 80 representatives from 30 agencies.

Mr Subramanian said a huge 2,200 MW of small hydro power potential existed in the region besides the possibility of a number of biomass- based projects. "The ministry has asked the states to submit proposals for micro energy projects.'' ''The ministry has already sanctioned energy projects for 1,150 remote villages in the Northeast. The projects include solar, small hydro and biomass projects to generate electricity for those villages and the ministry has released about Rs 50 crore to implement them,'' he informed.

During the year the ministry has sanctioned 50,000 solar lights system for these states with 90 per cent grant. It has earmarked Rs 60 crore to support the renewable energy projects in Northeast.

The region has projected to generate 350 MW of power at present out of a total of 8300 MW estimated for the whole country.

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