Govt has identified 200 sites for new thermal power projects

The government has identified 200 large pithead and coastal sites for setting up of thermal power projects with likely gross generation capacity of over four lakh megawatt, Parliament was informed today.
"Yes, Sir. Central Electricity Authority (CEA) had got the studies conducted for identification of large pithead and coastal sites based on satellite mapping using remote sensing technology," Power Minister Piyush Goyal said in a written reply to Rajya Sabha today.
He was replying to a question whether studies have been conducted to explore or find out the feasibility of setting up of thermal power projects in the country.
The minister said, "A total number of 200 potential sites with likely gross installed capacity of 4,28,905 MW have been identified... This include two coastal sites, namely, Divigi and Honavar in districts Uttar Kannada, Karnataka."

After the enactment of the Electricity Act 2003 generation of electricity has been de-licensed. As such Techno-Economic clearance by Central Electricity Authority is not required for setting up of thermal power projects in India, he added.
In a separate reply to the House, the minister said that government has planned power generation capacity addition of 1,18,537 MW (including 88,537 MW conventional and 30,000 MW renewable) during the 12th Plan (2012-17).

The House was also apprised about the construction of 1,07,440 km transmission lines and setting up of 2,82,740 MVA transformation capacity during the 12th Plan (by 2016-17).
In another statement the minister said that state-run transmission utility Power Grid Corporation has planned to invest around Rs 62,000 crore in next three financial years.

In the current fiscal, Power Grid will invest Rs 20,000 crore. It has also drawn plans to invest Rs 20,000 crore in 2016-17 and Rs 22,000 crore in 2017-18.
Similarly, the minister' reply said that state-run power utility NHPC Ltd will invest Rs 4,179.89 crore in the current fiscal. It will enhance its capital expenditure to Rs 6,305.67 crore in 2016-17 and Rs 7,379 crore in 2017-18.