Punjab to seek private developers for energy projects

Chandigarh, May 3 (UNI) Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) will execute renewable energy power projects through private developers on 'BOO' basis for generating 1500 MW power.

This was stated by PEDA Chief Executive Tejinder Pal Singh Sidhu while briefing Environment and Non-Conventional Sources of Energy minister Bikram Singh Majithia at the Solar Passive Complex here today.

Mr Majithia was accompanied by SAD MP Sukhbir Singh Badal and Mr M P Singh, secretary energy sources.

At the meeting Mr Badal emphasised that biomass power projects and cogeneration projects in the sugar, paper and distillery industry should be encouraged on priority basis. These projects will help in providing additional income to the farmers as well as in improving environment through reduction in green house gases, he added.

Mr Majithia was of the opinion that developers of small /micro hydro, who are setting up projects in the northern grid states should be approached to sell power from their projects at NRSE policy rates to meet Punjab's growing power demand. PEDA should fix half yearly target for monitoring the progress under of renewable power projects so as to achieve the planned target of 1500 MW much before the year 2012, he added.

He also emphasised that maximum central funding for these projects should be availed by the agency. PEDA should identify large potential developers for setting up co-generation projects in their industries, the minister added.

UNI