TS Genco set to add 2,500 MW by March.

Telangana is set to add more than 2,500 MW power generation capacity by March 2016, which would almost bridge the demand-supply gap.

'The State has an installed capacity of about 4,600 MW of thermal power and its requirement is about 6,500 to 7,500 MW. We managed to bridge the gap in the past 17 months by meeting the requirement through Central generating stations, power purchase agreements and spot exchanges,' said Arvind Kumar, Secretary, Energy, Telangana.

Tough situation
In an exclusive interaction with BusinessLine, he said, 'This would not have been possible but for the support of Chief Minister Chandrasekhar Rao, who would call up and check every day the demand-supply gap and how this is being met.'

When the State was carved out, there were apprehensions across various segments, including domestic, industries and agriculture consumers. 'Even though there is additional hydel capacity, it was not of much use due to poor monsoons,' he explained.

'Given the importance of the power sector and its impact on the State’s economy, the State is set to add about 2,500 MW by March 2016. It includes 600 MW Bhupalapally project, two units of 2x600 (1200 MW) of Singareni thermal power plant and over 700 MW of solar power generation capacity,' he explained.

In 2016-2017, Telangana expects to commission 800 MW Kothagudem thermal power unit and 1,080 MW Manuguru thermal project and 1,500 MW of solar power capacity. The overall plan is to add about 20,000 MW of additional capacity by 2018-19, which includes NTPC 4,000 MW power plant and 4,000 MW TS Genco project.

The State has decided to expedite the commissioning of power projects. The 600 MW power project in Bhoopalapally, which has been pending since 2010, has been fast tracked and is ready for commissioning.

Kothagudem 800 MW power project, 1080 MW (4x270 MW) Manuguru power project, 3x600 Singareni Collieries Company Ltd thermal power project at Jeypore in Adilabad district and 4,000 MW thermal power project of NTPC at Ramagundam and 4,000 MW TS Genco thermal power project at Damacherla are also getting ready.

HBL