PANAJI: Faced with intermittent power problems and shortage of power during peak hours, the Goa Government is planning to set up five mini hydel power projects on the Mahadayi.

It will soon invite expression of interest (EoI) from private investors for setting up the projects. The process will be set into motion once the Government gets environmental clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests, Digambar Kamat, Minister for Power, told The Hindu on Thursday.

"We are at present facing a power problem and have to overdraw around 30-40MW of power during peak hours," Mr. Kamat said.

The proposed projects were expected to yield 40MW of power, he said.

Mr. Kamat said the cost-analysis of the proposed projects would be worked out by consultants who would be appointed by the Government to oversee the projects. According to a study conducted for the State Government by the National Hydel Power Corporation, 11 small projects on the Mahadayi were suggested, but the State had settled for five.

Mr. Kamat said the projects were estimated at around Rs. 300 crore, but the investment would come entirely from private parties.

"We are going for the hydel power because it is cheaper," he said.

Goa, which had an allocation of 368 MW power from the Western and the Southern Grid, received only around 300 MW of power, he added.

A private mini-power project by Reliance Salgaonkar Ltd. supplied around 50 MW of power to the Government and private industries.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail