Gujarat will be energy surplus state soon: Patel

Ahmedabad, June 9 (UNI) Gujarat Energy Minister Saurabh Patel today claimed that due to government's well planned strategy and its implementation for the power production and supply the state will be energy surplus in next few years.

Mr Patel said at present, the state produces over 9,000 mega watt of power per annum, which will be over 20,000 mw in next few years to make the state an energy surplus state.

Inaugurating the ''Business Meet on Wind Energy'' organised at the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industries (GCCI) premises here this evening, the Minister said the state government has signed memorandam of understanding (MoUs) with private companies during the 'Vibrant Gujarat Global Investor Meet-2007' held earlier this year, to produce over 4,000 mw as a part of its policy to make Gujarat an energy surplus state.

He said with this new initiative, Gujarat government has allowed the private captive power plants to be set up in the state to sell their excess power generation to any third-party without seeking any permission from the authorities.

Gujarat is probably the only state in the country where no hike in tariff on power has been made in last several years, Mr Patel added.

UNI