The Karnataka government has taken efforts to buy an additional 200 MW to 250 MW from the co-generation units of sugar factories to tide over the current power crisis in the state, Bangalore in particular.
KS Eshwarappa, the energy minister of the state, said he had already held two round of talks with the co-generation units in the state.
Of the total 52 sugar mills in the state, 19 mills have a combined power generating capacity of 412 MW. Currently, these co-generation units are selling power to private players to make higher price realization.
He said the government would get a clear picture on whether these sugar factories will agree to supply power to the state grid in two weeks, the minister said.
He also said he would hold consultations with the officials concerned on the steps to be taken to set up a new 2,000 MW thermal power project in the state in collaboration with the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC).
The present demand for power in the state is hovering at 7,200 MW against the production of 5,400 MW. With the demand for power in the state growing at an average rate of 9%, currently power shortage increased to 1,800 MW from 1,700 MW in 2007-08. The current supply and demand gap stood at 15-20% with the average daily consumption of 105-110 million units (MU).
The state is preparing to release a new renewable energy policy in January 2009 that would help the government to increase renewable energy capacity by another 2,500 MW in the next five years. Currenty, the state generates around 1,800 MW of renewable energy.