Strengthening Research & Development in Power Sector

Union Power Minister Calls for Strengthening Research & Development in Power Sector

Union Minister of Power, Shri Sushilkumar Shinde has called for strengthening research and development in power generation, transmission and distribution sectors. He was addressing the delegates of the India Energy Congress 2012 in New Delhi today. Shri Shinde said that while the country has made remarkable progress in the power sector during the 11th Plan, a lot more still has to be done. He said that during the 11th Plan period the country has added about two-and-a-half times of the capacity that was added during the 10th Plan period. He said that 80,000 MW capacity is under construction for the 12th Plan. Emphasising on the need of energy conservation through efficiency improvement, the Minister reiterated India’s commitment to cheaper, sustainable and clean power. He said that through various initiatives such as star labelling of products, the achievement in the avoided generation capacity during the 11th Plan will be over 10,000 MW. Shri Shinde asked the delegates to look into the issues affecting the power sector such as prices of fuels and the local problems. Regarding AT&C losses Shri Shinde said that while the Government has launched the schemes such as Restructured-Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (R-APDRP). Adding that Smart Grid can be another answer in this direction, he said that it is also necessary to find out other causes of transmission losses such as theft and non-billing. He said the Ministry is taking steps to bifurcate the losses between the commercial losses and losses due to other reasons including technical and theft. Underlining the importance of renewable energy, the Minister said that the cost of solar power is gradually coming down. He said that there is a need for a greater focus on research and development in the field of solar photo-voltaic. Speaking on the occasion Secretary (Power), Shri P. Uma Shankar said that there are a number of issues which need to be deliberated including availability of ports and rail facilities for transporting imported coal, availability of land, water and ash disposal facilities for thermal power plants and financial health of distribution companies. The two-day conference being attended by delegates from India and abroad is deliberating on emerging opportunities and challenges in energy sector.