Govt. stands committed to creating a vibrant power sector, says Piyush Goyal

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Coal, Power and New and Renewable Energy Piyush Goyal said that the government stands committed for a better and vibrant power sector, and won't compromise with the environment in the process.

Goyal was speaking at the panel discussion on "Coal, Power, Renewable Energy and Carbon" organised by Brooklyn India here today.

He said coal will continue to be the mainstay of power in the country, but the pollution level can significantly be kept low with innovative technologies.

On recent measures taken by the government, Goyal said Coal India Limited will produce a billion tonnes of coal by 2019-20.

He also said that the government is committed to setting up washeries on the massive scale to wash 250 MT of coal in the next three years.

He also said that the centre has initiated third party sampling to check the grade quality of coal and not a single complaint has been registered from any state or power plant in last one year.

The coal ministry will ask the coal controller to reassess the grades of all coal mines, Goyal added.

Goyal stated that the coal ministry is framing a policy to liberalise coal linkages within intra companies so that they can swap coal linkages within same companies which will help bring down cost of power.

By 2030, India will be a country of largely modern and efficient coal based plants, Goyal added.

Reassessment of coal grades more accurately and permission of intra companies linkages will help the Nation to save approximately Rs. 20,000 crores in power bills.

The minister added that energy efficiency will have a bigger role to play in pollution control initiative of the government.

Goyal implied that the huge thrust of renewables has certainly given a push to the contribution of renewables in the holistic power mix.

He informed that contracts worth Rs.38, 000 crore has been sanctioned through competitive bidding for creating green corridors which will strengthen grid system in renewable sector. He further said that India is gradually moving away from the subsidy culture towards providing better facilities for working environment.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is planning for aggressively bidding transmission lines. In next five years, USD 50 million foreign investment is expected.

Goyal concluded his address by saying that renewables have dimensions to provide energy security for the country.