Infra-projects will get a boost via the public-private partnership
India, of lately, has been experiencing strong headwinds with its economic growth rate. A number of reasons have contributed to the slowdown in the economy and absence of quality infrastructure tops the list. Karnataka, riding on the back of public-private partnership (PPP), has made an attempt to boost the development of infra-projects in the state, starting from power generation and transmission.
Karnataka enters into the PPP zone
Following the footsteps of Haryana, Gujarat and Maharashtra, where PPPs have left their mark in power generation and transmission sector, Karnataka has given its nod for such partnerships. Such a move is likely to give the power sector of the state a major thrust. For Karnataka, the partnership between public and private sectors is a way to move one step closer to adopting renewable energy, according to officials of the Department of Energy, Karnataka.
In a move to sustain the growth and development of the economy, it is imperative for Karnataka to implement a dynamic Transmission and Distribution system. By giving a nod to a new wave of reforms, the Government of Karnataka has accelerated the Public-Private Partnership initiatives in the electricity sector significantly.
Power production for Karnataka
According to experts, the state has a potential to generate nearly 18000 MW of power through the non-conventional sources of energy. So far, the state has given approval to independent power producers, to produce nearly 9000 MW of power via non-conventional sources. According to government officials, around 500 MW from renewable energy sources will be added to the grid this year.
The total installed power plant capacity in the state stands at 8500 MW, inclusive of allocations from the Central Generating Stations. The KPCL (Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd) at present boasts of 5000 MW, the renewable sector makes its contribution with another 1800 MW. As per market news, the state is in talks to set up four 2000 MW gas based power plants at Gadag, Belgaum, Tumkur and Davangere, at an expense of around Rs 32000 crore.
