Gujarat ups power generation capacity

A 500 MW coal-based power generation unit at Ukai power plant in Tapi district of Gujarat has been commissioned, the State Assembly was told today.

"On March 5, 2013 a 500 MW coal based power unit at Ukai in Tapi district has started power generation to its fullest capacity," said Minister of State for Energy and Petro Chemicals Saurabh Patel while making a statement on the issue before the House.

"With the commissioning of this unit, the total installed power generation capacity of the state has reached to 21,162 MW, including 17,289 MW from conventional sources and 3,873 MW from non-conventional sources--wind and solar," he added.

Central Electricity Authority, New Delhi had announced the commissioning of this unit with a letter to GSECL on March 4.

With this total power generation capacity at this plant has reached 1,350 MW, he informed.

With the onset of summer, demand for power is likely to increase with water deficient areas which would consume more power for irrigation and at the same time will see rise in domestic consumption too. "With the addition of 500 MW power supply, the state government would be in a better position to satisfy power demands this year," Patel added.