Private power producers achieve 70 per cent of allocated 11th Plan capacity

Private power companies have commissioned 13,761 MW of generating capacity till July 2011, nearly 70 per cent of the total 19,796.5 MW capacity allocated for private sector development during the 11th Plan period.

Stating this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today, minister of state for power K C Venugopal also informed the House that the power ministry is in the process of issuing mega power certificates to power projects, including those in the private sector, that have met the stipulated conditions.

This would enable the projects to avail zero custom duty on import of equipment, he added.

State governments have allocated 146 hydroelectric projects having a total installed capacity of 40918.5 MW to private power companies, he said, adding that these projects are yet to be taken up for construction.

National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) has been allotted 19 new projects, which are in various stages of acquiring clearances, preparation of feasibility reports and detailed project reports, he stated.

The country's total hydropower potential in terms of installed capacity is estimated at 1,48,701 MW, the minister said.