Convention to discuss augmentation of hydropower potential

Jehangir Rashid

SRINAGAR, June 10: Aiming to improve the hydropower production capacity of the State from 760 Megawatts to 8,000 Mega Watts over the next decade, experts drawn from different States would take part in a two day international hydro power convention commencing tomorrow.
During the convention the experts would deliberate upon the ways and means to improve the hydropower scenario more so on the production front. The convention assumed significance since the State has the potential capacity of producing 25,000 Mega Watts of electricity. At present, 21 power projects owned by the State are generating only 760 Mega Watts power.
Addressing a press conference held as a prelude to the convention, Principal Secretary, Power Development Department (PDD) Sudhanshu Pandey said that the State Government has taken several initiatives to harness the huge hydro power potential of the State to make it not only self reliant but also to provide electricity to other States of the country.
Mr Pandey said the purpose of holding such a convention was to highlight the State’s strategy and initiatives taken to harness state’s hydro power resources. He said the convention would showcase the investment in power sector as a lucrative investment destination for hydro power projects. He said deliberations on policies, practices and perceptions of hydro power project development in the State would be an important highlight in the convention.
“Issues relating to planning and designing of the projects and other related matters will come up for discussion during the convention. Major issues confronting protecting and preservation of environment would also come up for the discussion in the convention. Renowned power experts, developers, business companies from all over the world are attending the convention to deliberate on harnessing energy in the Himalayan region with special focus on Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
The convention is being organized by India TECH Foundation and Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation is the nodal agency for providing all requisite support to the organizers to make the event a success one.
Mr Pandey exuded confidence that the convention would provide sufficient information about the latest trends in hydro power development as well as the hydro power potential in the State. He said the convention would enthuse the developers to take up harnessing the State’s hydro power potential of over 20,000 MWs.
Managing Director, Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation Basharat Ahmad Dhar said the Corporation has planned massive capacity addition of about 6000 MWs of hydro power in next 10 years in the State. He said contract for 450 Mega Watts Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project (BHEP) IInd has been finalized and work is in progress.
“The bidding process for 37.5 Mega Watts Parnai, 48 Mega Watts lower Kalanai, 93 Mega Watts new Ganderbal, 9 Mega Watts Hanu and 9 Mega Watts Dah is in advance stage and work is expected to commence soon on these projects. In case of Sawlakote Project the water availability and power potential has been approved by Central electricity Authority for 1856 MW against earlier envisaged capacity of 1200 MW,” said Basharat.
He said the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of Sawlakote project along with that of 240 MW Kirthai-I and 990 MW Kirthai-II are under appraisal. He said the Corporation is actively involved in implementation of 600 Mega Watts Kiru, 500 Mega Watts Kawar and 1000 Mega Watts Pakal Dul in joint venture with NHPC and PTC.
Basharat said a new power Policy-2011 has been notified and 10 projects with aggregate capacity of 172 MW have been advertised, adding that more projects are being offered for private developers in the State through competitive bidding. He said new initiatives like restructuring of the corporation, enterprise resources planning and cadre building has been started to make the organization well rounded and professional body capable of living up to its potential as the harbinger of prosperity of the State.
“Twenty seven sites are currently performing on-line transaction and remaining sites are also go on live soon. The JKSPDC has adopted five ITIs in public private partnership mode in the State. A hydro institute is also being set up at Kangan in association with NHPC to train the local youth in power sector for better employment opportunities,” said Basharat.
President, India TECH Foundation, Indra Mohan said that electricity is vital for the county’s economy adding that India has been acknowledged as one of the world’s fastest growing economies due to its power potential. He said India TECH Foundation has been organizing National Hydro Power conventions since the year 2006 to emphasize the need to focus on harnessing environmental friendly hydro power, which is vital for meeting out country’s peaking power requirements.
“The 7th Hydro Power Convention is being organized at Srinagar keeping in view the vast hydro power potential of nearly 25000 MW in the State, out of which less than 10 percent is being harnessed so far. Jammu and Kashmir offers a very substantial opportunity for the industry to tap this potential,” said Indra.
Indra said the objectives of the convention are to focus on harnessing hydro power opportunities and challenges in hydro power rich regions and States. He said the convention would also highlight reform initiatives of the State Governments, where hydro power conventions were held to showcase latest technologies, expertise and management practices to accelerate sustainable harnessing of hydro power.