Power capacity target hinges on coal, land links: Shinde

Union power minister Sushil Kumar Shinde on Tuesday made it clear that the government’s plan of adding 88,000 MW of power capacity in the next five years is dependant on the adequate availability of coal and speedy approvals over land procurement.

Union power minister Sushil Kumar Shinde on Tuesday made it clear that the government’s plan of adding 88,000 MW of power capacity in the next five years is dependant on the adequate availability of coal and speedy approvals over land procurement.

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HT had reported on Monday about the blame game going on between the ministries of power, coal and environment and forests following extensive power cuts experienced across the country over the past few months.

“In order to achieve capacity addition target of about 88,000 MW during the current plan period (2012-17), we will have to address the issue of fuel availability and equally important is the issue of finding adequate land for setting up new power stations,” Shinde said at a meeting of power ministers of the states with the Planning Commission.

“More projects would move faster if state governments play a proactive role in identifying and facilitating the procurement of land,” he added.

Shinde also said that the focus in the 12th Plan period (2012-17) should be on increasing domestic coal production.