Power Struggle No More For Telangana: BHEL Signs MoU
Power Struggle No More For Telangana: BHEL Signs MoU
Cancellation of coal blocks which had been allocated, as per the order of the SC has worked out extremely well for the southern state of Telangana. The power lacking state has now been saved one year from the total duration needed for construction of new BHEL plants in Telangana. The government of this southern state has formed an MoU with BHEL for construction of new thermal power plants in the coming 3 years. The power plants are set to be of 6,000 MW capacity.
From this, around 1080 MW will be available within the next 2 years as against the 36 months needed for the construction of the power plant. The officials of TSGENCO are now awaiting the erection of units adding up to 3380 MW. “Due to cancellation of coal block allocations by the Supreme Court, material meant for other projects is lying idle with us. We will use them for four units of 270 MW in Manuguru, thus saving one year from the project duration,” Chairman and MD of BHEL B. Prasad Rao was quoted as having said.
Telangana's Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao had earlier expressed interest that many of the projects be entrusted to BHEL. The state power corporation has now been entrusted with a lot more than just installation of 1080 MW at Manuguru. BHEL will now be responsible for the construction of the new thermal power plants as well. The agreement for the 6000 MW power plants has been signed by the Chairman and MD of TSGENCO, D. Prabhakar Rao and Mr Prasad Rao from BHEL while the CM was present.
The thermal power plants may be constructed by an Indian company, but the coal for these projects will be imported. Land for each of these projects has been provided by the government. Around 4000 MW of the plants will be set up in Khamma's Manuguru will the rest will be in Karimnagar district.
BHEL has a good record and the required expertise when it comes to construction of thermal power plants. Media reports point to how the thermal power projects in areas such as Singareni Collieries and Kothagudem are performing well above the average of the plant load factor in the nation.
The construction of the thermal power plants has been initiated in an EPC or Engineering, Procurement and Contract basis apart from purchasing power from other states. BHEL is a central PSU which has expertise in engineering and manufacturing enterprise. It is the top public sector company in India for power plant equipment. Its range of services include project feasibility, design, manufacture, supply and commissioning of projects as well as after sale services.
When Telangana was born, there was new hope and optimism. But the task of setting up a new state is not an easy one. Neither is carrying on after losing a part of the state, which is what Andhra Pradesh is doing. Where the path leads for the 2 states remains an enthralling story with many twists and turns.
