WAPCOS to offer technical support for mini hydel projects

The Orissa government has sought technical support from the Water and Power Consultancy Services (WAPCOS) for the execution of around 30 small hydel power projects proposed in the state with a combined capacity of 300-350 MW.

These hydel projects are being taken up at an expenditure of Rs 5-6 crore per MW. WAPCOS, a mini-ratna public sector enterprise under the aegis of the Union ministry of water resources, provides consultancy services in all facets of water resources, power and infrastructure sectors.

“WAPCOS will offer technical support to the state water resources department for taking up design and drawing of small hydel power projects in the state. This Central government agency is being roped in to expedite work on the proposed mini hydel projects in the state”, Atanu Sabsysachi Nayak, minister for energy, Orissa government told reporters.

A high-level review meeting chaired by the state Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was held today to expedite the implementation of small hydel projects.

P K Jena, the state energy secretary said, “The technical support provided by WAPCOS will help expedite the implementation of the small hydel power projects in the state. A hydro department cell will be constituted for this purpose and WAPCOS will coordinate with this cell as well as the state water resources department for taking up drawing and design of these mini hydel power projects.”

The State Technical Committee has already cleared more than 30 proposals for setting up mini hydel power projects in the state.

Three small hydel power projects with a combined capacity of 57 MW have already been commissioned. This includes the 25 MW Middle Kolab Small Hydro Electric Project set up near Tentuligama village in Koraput district by Meenakshi Power Ltd. The company has also commissioned a 12 MW (3x4) hydro power project- Lower Kolab Hydro Electric Project at Ulaygiri in Malkangiri district.

Similarly, Hyderabad-based Orissa Power Consortium Ltd has commissioned the 20 MW (5x4) Samal Barrage Hydro Electric Project at Talcher.

Other project proponents who have proposed to set up small hydel power projects in the state are New Delhi-based Rungta Projects Ltd, Kolkata-based Jayashree Chemicals Ltd, Hyderabad-based Kakatiya Chemicals Ltd, Sharvani Energy Ltd and Avantika Power Projects Ltd as well as city-based developers like Venus Energy Ltd and Baitarani Power Projects Ltd.