100 bn dollars for 68,000 MW capacity addition: Govt

New Delhi, Jan 19: The Government today said it needs an investment of 100 billion dollars in the power sector to commission 68,000 MW projects in the Eleventh Five Year plan.

''The 100 billion dollars will be utilised in non-conventional energy capacity. Out of which, 50 billion dollars will be for raising the capacity generation and the rest for transmission, distribution and rural electrification,'' Power Secretary R V Shahi told reporters here.

Mr Shahi said the capacity addition of 68,000 MW included 10,000 MW by non-conventional sources and 6,000 to 7,000 MW by captive power plants.

The coal-based power projects would have a major share, he said, adding that the capacity addition of 18,000 MW would be possible through hydro-power projects.

Mr Shahi said the funding would not be a problem as in case of proposed seven ultra-mega power projects with the capacity of 4,000 MW, lenders have come forward to fund these projects with an investment of Rs 20,000 crore.

UNI