Raise Himachal’s share in SJVNL solar projects : Sukhu

Shimla: Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL) has set a benchmark in power generation sector and the plant availability factor of SJVNL is highest in the country, said Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu while presiding over a meeting with the senior officers of SJVNL here today.

Sukhu assured that the state will provide all possible support to SJVNL for developing of infrastructure for their upcoming power projects and stressed for increase of power share of Himachal Pradesh in the power projects of SJVNL.

Sukhu said Himachal has received dividend of Rs 2355 crore against the equity contribution of Rs 1055 crore and 12 percent free power  from Nathpa Jhakri and Rampur hydro power projects amounting to around Rs. 7000 crore  so far. 

Around 22 percent additional power at bus-bar rate from Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station (NJHPS) amounting to about Rs. 4200 crore has also been obtained.

Emphasizing on the use of emerging technology of power generation, the Chief Minister said that pilot plant on Green Hydrogen Generation was under way at NJHPS, Jhakri. He said that solar module manufacturing plant at Parwanoo would also be set up by the SJVNL.

It was disclosed in the meeting that SJVNL is coming up with five Solar Power Projects (SPPs) in Himachal Pradesh. Thaplan, Solar Power Project (SPP) of 112.5 MW was being set up in district Una.

In addition to this, 20 MW  SPP Bhanjal and Kadh in Una district, 20 MW in Fatehpur in Kangra district, 30 MW SPP Kolar in Sirmaur district and 12.5 MW in Rajgir in district Kangra  were under pre-construction stage.

The Chief Minister said that the state would extend all possible support to the executing agency for setting up these projects and take necessary steps to amend policy for purchase of freehold private land in order to facilitate the company.

He asked to increase share of state government upto 12 percent in upcoming solar power projects. A committee would be constituted under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary to monitor the execution of these power projects so that they could be completed within a stipulated time period.

Sukhu said Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) and other line departments would certainly take benefit from their expertise to make Himachal a power state.

Directions were also issued to  HPSEBL officers to reduce the maintenance time of machinery used in various power projects and it should be avoided in peak power generation season so that efficiency of the power projects increases thereby generating more income.