SJVNL targets 6,600 mn units power generation

A top public sector hydel power company in Himachal Pradesh aims to generate a record 6600 million units of electricity in this financial year.

The Satlej Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL) is jointly owned by the Central and Himachal Pradesh government. It has built and now runs the country's largest hydel project the 1500 MW Nathpa Jhakri project in the state.

"SJVNL plans a gross energy generation of 6600 million units with an expected revenue realisation of Rs 1378 crore during 2008-09 from the 1500 MW Nathpa project," said a spokesman of the company said here Tuesday.

"A memorandum of understanding (MoU) to this effect was signed here between Anil Razdan, Secretary power, Ministry of power and H.K.Sharma SJVNL chief in New Delhi, Tuesday," the official said.

"The MoU also targets construction of the 412 Rampur project.The project is coming up on the Sutlej river and filtered waters of the Nathpa project are being diverted to the Rampur project downstream." he said.

"The MoU also provides for excavation of 5250 metres of the 15 km long head race tunnel of this project by March next year.It also spells out schedules for submission of detailed projects reports (DPRs) of two other hydel projects, the 252 MW Devsari and 56 MW Naitwar Mori hydel projects located in neigbouring Uttarakhand,"

"According to the deal the ministry of power will support SJVNL as to be designated as a schedule A company and help it join the club of mini ratna PSUs," the official said.

Three years ago the company has already entered the selected club of Central Public Sector Undertakings(CPSUs) who sign an MoU with the government of India every year.

"Last year the SJVNL achieved a record power generation of 6450 million units surpassing the target of 6397 million units," the official said.