Geete asks BHEL to explore entering power generation business

Minister for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Anant Geete has asked the state-run power gear maker BHEL to venture into electricity generation business.

Geete, who visited the company's corporate office here, suggested that BHEL explore the possibility of entering the area of power generation, an official statement by BHEL said.

BHEL chief B P Rao said: "The company has already made an entry into the area by setting up joint ventures with some state Gencos (generation companies)."

The company officials briefed the minister about the company's performance trends, diversification plans, manufacturing and R&D (research and development) capability by the company officials.

Geete asked BHEL to gear up for the future to face competition from the domestic as well as overseas companies, the statement said.

The minister also assured the company that he will take steps to solve issues related to projects under the different ministries like Railways, Defence and Power.

"In view of the slowdown in the power sector, the company can step up its activities in other areas like renewables, transportation, transmission and defence," Geete said.

He added that his office will look into the issue of slow moving power projects and assured his full assistance in this regard.

Earlier this year, BHEL along with five other PSUs had signed an initial agreement for setting up the world's largest 4,000 MW ultra mega solar power project in Rajasthan.

The Department of Heavy Industry would set up a joint venture company for executing this project worth Rs 7,500 crore in the first phase.

The joint venture company will have equity participation of 26% from BHEL, 23% from SECI (Solar Energy Corporation of India), 16% from SSL (Sambhar Salt Ltd), 16% from PowerGrid, 16% from SJVNL (Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam) and 3% from REIL (Rajasthan Electronics & Instruments Ltd).