Maharashtra, which is reeling under an acute power crisis, is exploring the option of promoting coal-based 25mw projects across the state. The state-run Maharashtra State Power Generation Company (MahaGenco) has received preliminary reports in this regard from Development Consultants and Feedback Ventures. The state government would soon release a policy in this regard.
Currently, the state is facing a daily shortage of up to 5,500mw and the situation is likely to worsen further, mainly due to growing demand and lack of completion of any project.
The capacity addition of 2,000mw by MahaGenco would be achieved only in 2011-12.
As a result, the Maharashtra government has decided to go in for development of 25mw projects which can be set up by the private sector with an investment of Rs 130 crore. The state government and MahaGenco would act as facilitators.
As a sop, MahaGenco and MahaVitaran are mulling the idea of assuring the project developer drawal of power for 25 years. With assured power procurement for 25 years, the developer would be in a position to supply at a tariff of Rs 3 per unit against power procured from 250-500mw projects at a per unit tariff of Rs 2.30 to Rs 2.50.
State government sources told FE , ??The developer will have to organise coal supply for the 25mw projects. It is not feasible to import coal for such tiny projects. To top it, if the project is situated far away from the port, the developer will have to organise coal supply through at least 100 trucks daily, which may invite a strong reaction from the locals.??
However, the 25mw projects would help stabilise the state grid, the sources added. Besides, there would be minimal transmission and distribution loss.