Telangana working out plans to bridge power shortage gap

The Telangana government is exploring various alternatives to bridge the gap of about 200 MW of estimated net power shortage during this summer. Swapping of RLNG with natural gas and possible connectivity with Eastern Grid via Vijayawada-Nellore corridor are the two options being actively considered for availing 500 MW more, as per the information shared by the Telangana Energy Principal Secretary, Aravind Kumar.

Based on previous years’ demand, a shortfall of 900 MW to 1,000 MW is projected State-wide for the next three months, Mr. Kumar said, while interacting with the media on the sidelines of ‘Solar Energy Investment and Technology Forum’ here on Wednesday.

Of this, about 250-300 MW will be met through naphtha-based production in the existing plants run by independent power producers while supply of 500 MW is expected from the NTPC’s Kayamkulam plant in Kerala, which is also naphtha-based. Further, Thermal Powertech Corporation owned by Gayatri Projects is already supplying 100 MW.

The Power Grid Corporation of India has expressed optimism that the Vijayawada-Nellore corridor may become functional in near future, and if it happens, 500 MW may be availed from the central pool through High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission at Gajuwaka.

On the non-renewable front, Mr. Kumar said bids will be called for setting up of solar power plants of another 1,000 MW capacity in the coming 15 days, in addition to the 505 MW for which bids are already finalised and signing of PPAs is under way. Power, thereof, would be connected to the grid latest by March next.

Further, extension might be given to solar projects of about 250 MW which could not be launched on time due to State bifurcation.

The aim is to reach the goal of 5,000 MW of non-renewable energy through private producers in the coming four years. Interest is also expressed by public sector companies such as NTPC, National Hydroelectric Power Corporation and North Eastern Electric Power Corporation to set up solar plants, provided that the State government offers land. Process is on to work out the cost for such power, Mr. Kumar informed.

Source: The Hindu