Private operators interested in setting up gas units
TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Availability of power is critical for the functioning of industry in the state. Presently, the power situation in Goa is good; however, the Government recognizes the need to minimize the unscheduled power interventions. The Government of Goa will provide 24×7 quality power to the industries. Special emphasis is being laid to minimize unscheduled power interruptions as well as to increase the availability of power to the state.
Currently, Goa has an allocation of approximately 460 MW from NTPC stations, 28 MW from NPCIL. In 2012-13, Goa required approximately 3550 MUs of power. Based on a targeted GSDP growth rate of 12%, the requirement of power is expected to grow by around 5% year-on-year. To improve the reliability and availability of power, the Government is undertaking several initiatives. It intends to separate transformers for industrial and domestic use. There rae plans to set up separate transformer capacity (110/33/11 KV) at each industrial estate. Underground cabling for all 11 KV upwards lines is under implementation and all cabling within industrial estates at all voltage levels is envisaged.
GIDC will procure power for the upcoming industrial estates and ensure availability of quality power 24 x 7 at the industrial estates. To reduce outages, the govt has obtained an allocation in the Gare Pelma, Sector III Coal Block at Chhattisgarh from the Government of India. The coal block has the potential to power an 1800 MW power plant. A developer will provide minimum power of 15% i.e. around 270 MW to the state. it will also have the first right of refusal for another 10% power. The total availability of power from the coal block is 450 MW.
The govt is in the process of getting firm additional allocations from various NTPC and NPCIL plants. Gas will be made available to the industries in and around Verna, Kundaim, Tivim and Colvale. In addition the state government plans to promote power generation from renewable sources in the state. In this respect, the Government of Goa is in the process of framing a regulatory framework and enabling policy.
