JOIN USTotal capacity of under construction thermal power projects at 59,810 MW
As much as 59,810 MW of thermal power generation capacity is under construction in the country which includes 23,730 MW to be developed by private players, Parliament was informed on Tuesday.
While the under-construction projects under the central sector totalled 18,320 MW, those under the state sector stood at 17,760 MW, Power Minister R K Singh said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
The capacity of under construction large hydro (above 25 MW) projects stood at around 14,014 MW.
Explaining the reasons for the delay in implementation of these projects, the minister said "The major reasons for time overrun in respect of the thermal and hydel projects are related to the availability of materials and equipment, land issues and inter-state matters. The cost overrun arises from an increase in interest rate, inflation, and change in scope of the project."
As per the Electricity Act 2003, power generation is a de-licensed activity. Investment in setting up power projects is made by the developers concerned.
Therefore, no funds are sanctioned/allocated by the Centre in this regard, except contribution in the form of equity of the Central Public Sector Units for setting up of such projects on a case-to-case basis.