Power Ministry to come up with 4 more UMPP

New Delhi, May 29 (UNI) In difference to the request by several state governments to set up ultra mega power projects, the Centre today announced that it will set up four more such projects in different states.

The UMPPs are to be put up one each in the states of Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.

''...there would be 13 ultra mega power projects that will come during the 11th five-year plan period as against nine already approved,'' Mr Shinde said while addressing an interactive session on ''Power Scenario by 2012'', organised by Assocham here.

He said altogether, the UPA government has approved nearly nine UMPPs, of which three -- Sasan, Krishnapatnam both bagged by Reliance Power and Mundra won by Tatas -- are under execution.

The Minister informed that only a few days ago, his Ministry had received a new request from Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu for UMPPs to meet the power shortages.

The approval process for the UMPPs would be effected soon to ensure that the shortage of nearly 30,000-MW of power being experienced currently at different places is addressed, said Mr Shinde.

The government has set a target of 78,750 MW by the end of 11th for Five-Year Plan.

In addition, nearly 11,000 MW of capacities would be added through captive power plants by 2012.

The current installed capacities of the power sector are estimated at 1,43,000 MW, Mr Shinde said.

UNI SBA SG AS1806