Shimla, Apr 26: Minister of State for Power,   Shabir Ahmed Khan has said that J&K Government is looking forward to generate 7056.50 MW power in the next ten years by developing hydropower projects across the state under various modes.  He said the government is keen to harness the available 20,000 MW hydro power potential in the state, adding that out of the identified 16,000 MW capacity as much as 2456 MW power has already been generated. The Minister was speaking here today at the 6th International Hydro Power Convention as the representative of J&K state, an official statement said.
 The convention on ‘Speedier Harnessing of Hydro Power Potential in Northern Himalaya was organized by the India-Tech and attended by the representatives from all Northern states of the country. Chief Minister, Himachal Pradesh, Prem Kumar Dhumal, representatives of Northern Himalayan States, besides the functionaries of India-Tech participated in the convention.
 The Minister said that J&K government has attached significant importance to the full exploitation of hydro power potential in order to effect a major turnaround in the state’s economy and power scenario. “Development of Hydroelectric projects requires substantial investments. The objective of rapid development of the potential cannot be met with state funding alone as there is always competing demand for State funds”, he said and added that the state has therefore to look at alternative investment policies. The Minister said that the J&K Government has already approved an implementation framework for speedy development of hydro projects under state and central sectors, joint ventures with Central Public Sector Units and private sector and under Public Private Partnership mode. He said the Government has recently signed a Promoters agreement to float a joint venture company to develop Pukhal Dul, Kiru and Kawar Hydro Electric Power Projects with a total capacity of 2150 MWs with JKSPDC, NHPC and PTC India. 
 Shabir said that 17 power projects, with an aggregate capacity of 1897. 76 MWs are under execution in the State under State, Central and Private Sectors, while projects with aggregate capacity of 7056.50 MWs are planned for execution in the available modes in the next ten years. With this substantial capacity addition J&K is optimistic about achieving the dream of being a net power exporter in future, he maintained.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 26 Apr 2011 18:30:00 GMT
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