BHEL to adopt super-critical parameter-equipped technique

Bhopal, Nov 6 (UNI) Union Heavy Industry Minister Santosh Mohan Dev today said that the Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) was committed to adopting super-critical parameter-equipped technique and profiting from opportunities in nuclear power generation.

''Led by the vision of India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, the BHEL plant at Bhopal was registered as Heavy Electricals (Pvt) Ltd on August 29, 1956 with the help of the United Kingdom's Associated Electrical Ltd,'' he told journalists. Mr Dev is here on a two-day trip in connection with BHEL's golden jubilee celebrations.

Notably, BHEL sets generate 73 per cent of the country's total power. In real terms, this translates into nearly three out of every four homes in India being lit up with power generated by BHEL sets.

In line with the expected growth in demand, enhancement of generating capacity is on course from the present 6,000 MW per annum to 10,000 MW per annum, which would be available in 2007.

''There is no proposal to disinvest BHEL. Tremendous possibilities exist in hydroelectric projects. South Asian and African countries have also evinced interest and dicussions are underway,'' the minister added.

Of the Rs 1,200-crore modernisation and capacity enhancement programme, capital expenditure of Rs 720 crore has already been incurred. At Bhopal alone, investment schemes of Rs 262 crore are being implemented.

''If the governments in the Northeast emerge with generation proposals, we shall respond positively,'' Mr Dev assured.

BHEL Chairman and Managing Director Ashok K Puri pointed out that the turnover was Rs 21 lakh in 1961 and Rs 2,300 crore now.

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