Shahi, whose tenure ended on Tuesday, in an exclusive interview told FE an important feature of the 11th plan preparation was that only such projects were being taken into consideration as have almost 100% of certainty for getting commissioned after allowing for necessary time in the cycle of project management for sanctions, clearances, tenders, commencement of work and reasonable construction schedule.

‘‘No hydro project is being listed for 11th plan unless the work commences latest by April 2007, allowing for a clear five year period for completion. Of the 68,870 mw, 46,600 mw would be added through coal based projects, hydro (16,000 mw), lignite (1,400 mw), gas (2,100 mw) and nuclear (3,160 mw). In addition, from non conventional energy sources, capacity addition of 13,500 mw is also expected. Central sector would contribute 53%, state sector 34% and private sector 13%,’’ Shahi said. The working group, which was appointed by the Planning Commission, was chaired by Shahi.

Shahi asserted that since goal would be the most dominat fuel, all efforts would be required to use cost effective clean coal technologies. The trust would be given on the upgradation of the generation technology to large number of super critical systems, bring about competitive tariff structure in generation through promotion of ultra mega power projects and merchant power plants.