Karnataka may become power surplus by 2017: Siddaramaiah

Energy-deficit Karnataka, which has initiated projects to produce 18,000 MW, has targetted to be a power surplus state by 2017, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said today.

The projects, both in conventional and non-conventional sectors, were in different stages of implementation, he said.

"Karnataka will, in all probability, be a power surplus state by 2017," he said inaugurating ELECRAMA- transmission and distribution show, claimed by the organisers to be the world's largest.

Noting that Karnataka was a pioneer in the Indian power sector as it has been generating electricity for 112 years, he said the state had initiated several reforms in the transmission and distribution sector that would help reduce inefficiencies in the system.

It also provides enormous opportunity to electrical equipment manufacturers to supply high quality equipment at reasonable costs, he said.

"ELECRAMA has grown to be the world's largest show for electrical equipment from 220 V to 1200 KV and industrial electronics," Raj Eswaran, President, the Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers' Association (IEEMA), said.

The exhibition not only provides a platform for showcasing the global best technology but also opportunity for building strong relationship between the buyers and sellers, he said.

Sanjeev Sardana, Chairman, ELECRAMA 2014, said as the Indian electrical equipment industry has matured over the years, India is becoming a major sourcing destination for the global players.

Elecrama 2014 was having the theme of 'GO  GLOBAL' with a focus to showcase global competitiveness of Indian products and capability of Indian manufacturers to develop world class engineering  products  at competitive costs, he said.

IEEMA, the 66-year-old industry body, representing the Indian Electrical and Professional Electronics equipment manufacturers is the apex industry association in the power sector. IEEMA organises ELECRAMA exhibition every two years.

ELECRAMA-2014 that will be run till January 12, is showcasing the global competitiveness of Indian products and the capability of local manufacturers to develop world class engineering products at competitive costs.

It is the largest ELECRAMA yet, with 70,000 sq mt with over 1200 exhibitors from 30 countries displaying their latest products and technologies, the organisers said, adding, business visitors from over 120 countries are expected to attend the show.