India eyes power generation projects in Nepal

Aug 26, 2006 - The Hindu

New Delhi (PTI): Facing acute shortage of electricity, India is talking to neighbouring Nepal for tapping the potential it has there.

"We are talking to Nepal. There lies a potential of about 60,000 MW electricity generation," Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said in Lok Sabha during the Question Hour.

He said India has invested in Bhutan also for similar projects and possibilities are being explored to set up power generation projects in Nepal.

Replying to a question on steps taken by the government to reduce cost of power, the minister said the UPA government is focussing on development of hydel power, which is cheap compared to other sources like thermal and nuclear.

The minister has held a series of meetings with the Chief Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir, Arunchal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal to tap the hydel potential.

Shinde also said a number of MoUs have been signed with private companies for setting up small less than 100 MW hydel power plants. There are power plants of above 100 MW also but the ministry was in favour of project of smaller capacities.

He also informed the House that the Centre has signed an agreement with Damodar Valley Corporation, NTPC and Haryana Government to get 5,300 MW electricity for the Commonwealth Games scheduled to be held in Delhi in 2010.