India’s Karnataka invites solar bids worth 80 MW (http://www.pv-magazine.com/news/details/archive/2011/august/beitrag/indias-karnataka-invites-solar-bids-worth-80-mw_100003925/)

18. AUGUST 2011 |

The Indian state of Karnataka is inviting bids for solar projects worth 80 megawatts (MW). A draft of the power purchase agreements (PPAs) offered under the policy has also been released. Criticism is aimed at both the lack of experience required for developers, and the benchmark tariffs set.

India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy released the plant performance data of 15 MW worth of photovoltaic projects last month.

Under its new solar policy introduced last month, 30 MW of solar thermal and 50 MW of photovoltaic projects will be selected on the basis of the discounts offered by developers on the benchmark tariffs of INR 14.50 ($0.36) per kilowatt hour (kWh), as defined by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC). Furthermore, developers will sell their power to state distribution companies (DISCOMS).

Karnataka has set the submissions deadline, for requests for selection (RfS), for October 20 2011.

Benchmark tariffs

The benchmark tariff is based on certain assumptions made by KERC as per its tariff order of 2010. The capital expenditure (CAPEX) used to arrive at the benchmark tariff is INR 155 million ($3.87 million) per MW for photovoltaics, which is higher than the average CAPEX of INR 130 million ($3.25 million) currently seen in the market.

The Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF) considered, meanwhile, is 19 percent for photovoltaics. There is no on-ground plant performance data available for Karnataka to support this CUF, however.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy released the plant performance data of 15 MW worth of photovoltaic projects last month from across the country, with the average CUF at 15.85 percent. This is significantly lower than the benchmark used by Karnataka, though none of the projects in the data set are located in the state The interest rate of 12 percent on debt considered for the tariff is also lower than the market standard by up to 200 to 300 basis points.

These assumptions are out of line with the on-ground realities, raising doubts over the viability of the benchmark tariff.

Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL), the nodal agency for the competitive bidding of the projects, has established strict guidelines for the eligibility of bidders, which can include standalone developers or consortiums.

The number of members in a consortium will be limited to three, with information required on each of the members. In the case they are selected, members of the consortium shall collectively hold at least 51 percent of the subscribed and paid-up equity share capital of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) at all times, until three years from the Commercial Operations Date (COD) of the project.

The lead member shall have a 26 percent shareholding of the SPV until three years from the COD of the project. Thereafter, all members of the consortium shall, until expiry of the agreement period, hold not less than 26 percent of the subscribed and paid up equity share capital of the SPV.

These requirements are expected to inhibit the transfer of PPAs by developers looking at exiting early from projects by selling their PPAs at a premium.

The technical requirements are as per the CERC standards followed in other policies. Once again, the bid invitation does not lay down any requirements for the selection of engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) players for projects.

Technical requirements with regards to the competency of EPC players are crucial to ensure the successful execution of projects. KREDLs requirements appear to fall short of ensuring a high standard of construction and performance of the power plants under the Karnataka solar policy.

The time given for development for the photovoltaic plants is 18 months from the date of signing the PPA. This will likely give adequate time to developers to commission their projects unlike the National Solar Mission, allows only 12 months for photovoltaic projects.

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CESC to adopt new technology to provide continuous power

MYSORE: Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) is adopting a new technology developed by KPTCL assistant executive engineer to cut down implementation cost of Niranthara Jyothi (NJ) scheme, aimed at providing continuous power supply to rural areas, by 40%!

Perhaps this is the first of its kind experiment in Karnataka. The CESC has been finalized to take on the expertise and first up will try it out in Bherya, K R Nagara taluk, Mysore district. Depending upon its success the authorities will plan to implement it other parts of the CESC division comprising Mysore, Mandya, Chamarajanagar, Hassan and Kodagu districts.

CESC officials are ready to implement KPTCL AEE (hotlines) B S Rudraprasads method by the year end. Under the NJ scheme, power (three-phase) is supplied to non-agricultural round the clock to users by drawing a separate feeder line. Authorities segregate lines for agricultural and non-agricultural purposes to realize the goal. But according to the proposed plan designed by Rudraprasad without drawing separate feeder lines authorities can achieve the desired result and that too with less investment.

Rudraprasad explained that he developed the model from his field experience. He had been working on it for the past one-and-half decade and once tested it in Chitradurga between 2002 and 2004. The engineer claimed that he had demonstrated the concept to higher-ups once, but didn't get a positive response. The technology is simple and cheap and will cut implementation cost by 50% plus.

CESC chief engineer M Shanthi told TOI CESC authorities were convinced after the project was explained to them by the official. It is also expected to bring down implementation cost by 40%.
According to Rudraprasad there is no need for additional or parallel feeder line and specially designed transformers (DST) for implementation of NJ scheme, rather it can be done by drawing another conductor to the existing facility. This saves time, money and cut unnecessary expenditure too.
Shanthi explained that they selected Bherya because the length of feeder line was less than 3km. Earlier, they had estimated NJ scheme for Bherya at Rs 10 lakh, but now it has been reduced to Rs 6 lakh as per new the estimation of the new plans. Bherya has some 2,700 power consumers.

They have implemented NJ scheme in Malavalli of Mandya district by bifurcating feeder lines. They have installed 15 exclusive feeder lines and under which agricultural users are getting 3-phase power supply for six hours and single-phase between 6pm and 6am.

Nirantharaja Jyothi
Under NJ scheme, feeder lines are bifurcated exclusively for agricultural (Irrigation pump sets) and non-agricultural (domestic and other installations) purposes. Agri feeder line users will get III-phase power supply for 8 hours and single-phase between 6pm and 6am while non-agri power users will get III-phase supply round the clock as per the scheme.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysore/CESC-to-adopt-new-technology-to-provide-continuous-power/articleshow/9699255.cms

Indian sun attracts US funding

Over the last month, the US Administration has shown an interest in working to develop India’s nascent solar industry. In July, the government-owned Overseas Private Investment Corp (OPIC) earmarked over $520 million for Indian solar projects by end of year 2011, while this month sees the USTDA signing two deals worth over $1.4 million to fund feasibility studies in India's energy sector, half of which is for solar photovoltaic projects.

The first deal provides USTDA funding for a $7,19,985 feasibility study to Astonfield Renewables Private Limited to prepare the design and deployment of two solar photovoltaic power projects in West Bengal (5 MW) and Karnataka (10 MW).

For More (http://www.renewableenergymagazine.com/energias/renovables/index/pag/pv_solar/colleft/colright/pv_solar/tip/articulo/pagid/16705/botid/71/)

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State for a major push on solar power

Mahesh Kulkarni / Chennai/ Bangalore August 29, 2011, 0:09 IST
Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited floats RFP for 80 Mw hybrid solar power projects.

The Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL), a state-owned nodal agency for promotion of renewable energy, has floated a request for proposal (RFP) from the power-producing companies for setting up of 80 Mw grid connected solar PV and solar thermal power projects.

The project is envisaged under the Karnataka State Solar Policy 2011-12 to 2015-16. Under the policy, the state is looking to generate 200 Mw solar power in five years.

“The KREDL has been authorised by the energy department, government of Karnataka to invite bids for 80 Mw grid connected solar power projects for the year 2011-12 and 2012-13 as per the policy. We will be issuing letter of intent to the selected companies within the next three months,” N S Prasanna Kumar, managing director, KREDL, said.

While, the aggregate capacity for both Solar Thermal Projects and Solar PV Projects is 80 Mw, the KREDL has allocated 30 Mw for Solar Thermal Projects and 50 Mw for Solar PV projects. In case of Solar Thermal Projects, a bidder could propose projects having minimum capacity of 5 Mw and the maximum capacity of 10 Mw. In case of Solar PV projects, a bidder could propose projects having minimum capacity of 3 Mw and the maximum capacity of 10 Mw.

The power generated by the selected bidder will be purchased by the state energy supply companies through a power purchase agreement. The last date for submitting RFP documents is October 20, 2011, the KREDL said in its notification. This project is proposed to enable the Escoms to meet the requirements of renewable energy purchase obligations.

According to KREDL, the scope of the project includes designing, constructing, erecting, testing, commissioning and completing of the solar thermal project ô solar PV project and supply of contracted capacity. The operation and maintenance of the project also rests with the selected bidder as per the agreement.

The selected bidder will have to incorporate a special purpose vehicle (SPV) under the Companies Act, 1956 to execute the agreement and implement the project.

The KREDL has fixed a period of 30 months from the date of signing of PPA to complete the solar thermal power project and 18 months to complete the solar PV power project and commission it. Presently, the state has three solar PV projects with 3 Mw each capacity commissioned by the state-owned producer, Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) at Kolar, Belgaum and Raichur. Its fourth project with a capacity of 5 Mw is under construction at Shivasamudram in Mandya district.

The energy consumption in Karnataka is anticipated to be around 64 billion units per annum by 2015. At present, renewable energy sources contribute to about 4.6 billion units of energy per annum (11.5 per cent) out of the total 40,000 billion units available from various installed capacities.

To achieve a 20 per cent share, the renewable energy sources are required to contribute 12.8 billion units by 2014. This necessitates a renewable energy capacity addition of 6,600 Mw by 2014.

BS (http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/state-formajor-pushsolar-power/447309/)

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Centre okays power grid in Tumkur (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/190064/centre-okays-power-grid-tumkur.html)
Tumkur, Sep 10, DHNS:

The Centre has given the green signal for the construction of a 765-KV power grid at Kempanadodderi in the taluk.

Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, G S Basavaraju, MP, said electricity will be supplied to Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh through this grid.

The Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) will construct the grid at a cost of Rs 2,000 crore. Initially, a 400/200 KV sub-station will be built at a cost of Rs 495 crore.

Land transfer

Basavaraju said the KIADB has agreed to provide 132 acre needed for the project, of which 60 acre had already been transferred and the remaining 72 acre will be transferred soon.

A tender has been called for the construction of a wall around the project site at a cost of Rs two crore.

Through the project, the 220 receiving stations in the district in Antharasanahalli, Madhugiri, Nittur, Anchepalya and Kibbanahalli Cross in Kunigal taluk, and the stations proposed to be built at Sira and Pavagad will receive uninterrupted supply of power.

http://www.deccanheraldepaper.com/pdf/2011/09/13/20110913d_003100007.jpg

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Plans afoot to up solar power production: Shobha

HUBLI: Efforts were on to make best use of solar energy in the state and there is a plan to produce about 200 mega watt of power from solar energy by 2016, said power and food and civil supply minister Shobha Karandlage here on Sunday.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubli/Plans-afoot-to-up-solar-power-production-Shobha/articleshow/10032874.cms

Chandradrona saved from scars of power projects
Chikmagalur, Sep 18, DHNS:

Deputy Commissioner D K Rangaswamy has cancelled the order of handing over 305.37 acre land in the eco sensitive Chandradrona hills of Western Ghats on lease for 30 years for wind power production units. This move has been widely welcomed by various sections of the society, including the environmentalists and activists who have been fighting for this cause.

The land was sanctioned for Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Corporation. The work was handed over to Chennai based B B Hills Wind Farm Development. When this move of the government was known, the environmentalists and wildlife activists in 2005 started a movement demanding withdrawal of the order keeping in the mind the sensitive features of the region.

Manish Kumar and others moved to the court against the project. Petitions were filed at the Civil Court seeking stay order against the same.

The Corporation challenged the stay order at the High Court, which in turn directed the Corporation to settle the matter at the lower court.

Meanwhile a High Level Committee of the Supreme Court said that since the land in question is a ‘Shola Forest’, it should not be used for any other activity. Using the land for any industrial or development purpose will be the violation of Forest Act, the Committee said recommending cancellation of the lease.

Citing the Committee’s recommendation, Deputy Conservator of Forest had written to the Deputy Commissioner to cancel the lease and take the land under government control.
It is learnt that though the DC had written to the Corporation, there has been no reply from the authorities, which compelled the DC to withdraw the order and take the land under Government control.

Meanwhile D V Girish from Bhadra Vanya Jeevi Samrakshana Samsthe, Sridev Hulikere from Wild Cat-C, G Veeresh from Nature Conservation Guild and other wildlife activitists have welcomed the move.

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/191886/chandradrona-saved-scars-power-projects.html

Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Jagadish Shettar on Monday said that the Government had set aside Rs. 100 crore for the promotion of biofuel in the State.

He said bio-oil yielding plants would be raised and distributed for free among farmers. Such plants could be grown in non-agricultural lands too and the Forest Department's support would be sought for it.

The Government was considering raising bio-oil yielding saplings through projects under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and ‘Hasiru Honnu' programme, Mr. Shettar added.

Inaugurating the Biofuel Information and Demonstration Centre (BIDC) set up by the Karnataka State Biofuel Board with the support of National Institute of Engineering (NIE) on the NIE campus here, he said his Ministry was committed to promoting biofuel as an alternative to fossil fuel.

The Government was serious about popularising biofuel and was planning to raise saplings such as pongamia (honge), neem, jatropha etc., that yield bio-oils which could be blended with diesel, the Minister said.

Earlier, in his introductory remarks, Karnataka State Biofuel Board chairman Y.B. Ramakrishna favoured “biofuel revolution” on the lines of “Green Revolution” and “Operation Flood” to make the country self-reliant in fuel availability. He said three more such centres would be launched soon. BIDC in Mysore will have a bio-diesel plant which can process 200 kg non-edible oil seeds a day and produce 40 litres of bio-oil per day.

The centre will conduct training programmes, awareness programmes, workshops, and organise interaction programme with farmers.

Bio-diesel equipment worth Rs. 10 lakh has been provided to the centre and the board will support the centre's activities for three years and provide financial assistance of Rs. 8.65 lakh a year.

Managing director of the Board A.K. Monnappa spoke.

NIE governing council chairman S.R. Subba Rao presided over the function. Deputy Commissioner P.S. Vastrad, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer G. Satyavathi, and NIE principal G.L. Shekar were present.

The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article2469043.ece)

Suzlon receives 25.5 MW order from GAIL for wind energy project in Karnataka

Wind turbine manufacturer Suzlon Energy Limited today said it had bagged an order from gas utility major GAIL (India) Limited for its wind energy project to be commissioned in Karnataka in 2012.

The order is for 17 units of Suzlon's S82 - 1.5 MW wind turbines for what would be GAIL's third wind energy project with Suzlon, a press release from the company said.

The previous two projects are located in Gujarat. The first 4.5 MW project, comprising Suzlon's S-82 1.5 MW wind turbines, was commissioned in March 2010, and the second 14.7 MW project is currently under execution. These two projects cater to fulfill GAIL's captive power requirements.

The new project will sell the power generated to a local power distribution company under a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) at the fixed preferential feed-in tariff, the release said.

"As one of India's premier players in the energy sector, GAIL has always exhibited exemplary commitment and support towards the cause of renewable energy sources and its role in environmental sustainability," Mr. Tulsi R. Tanti, founder, Chairman and Managing Director, Suzlon Group, said.

"We are delighted at the trust and faith GAIL has in Suzlon's technological and service delivery capabilities. We also look forward to a long-term mutually beneficial association with GAIL," he added.


NNN (http://netindian.in/news/2011/10/05/00016312/suzlon-receives-255-mw-order-gail-wind-energy-project-karnataka)

More power projects ‘critical’


The plans of the State government to set up three more thermal power stations of 800 MW each near Raichur seems to have been relegated to the cold storage. The work on the plants has not progressed from the foundation level over the past two and half years.

Two units of 800 MW each have been planned at Yaramaras, close to RTPS. The Rs 8,806-cr project will be implemented by KPCL and BHEL jointly and is expected to generate 11,213 mu per year. The foundation stone was laid in 2009 and barring construction of a compound around the project site, there has been no progress till day. Another 800 MW unit has been planned at Yadlapura, at a cost of Rs 4,487 crore. The unit, scheduled to be functional by 2013 would generate 5,606 mu per year. Coupled with the production from RTPS eighth unit, the cumulative generation would go up to 4,120 MW if the projects proceed as planned. But given the pace of the progress, it appears the dream may not fructify, at least for now.

The government is found wanting in its efforts to take all the power projects on a fast track. According to energy experts, the KPCL is bogged down by the delay in operationalising eighth unit of the RTPS and the underperformance of the BTPS, and this could be a possible reason for going slow on the proposed three plants.

A few environmental organisations too have been opposing the projects. Local people are of the opinion that instead of setting all the thermal power plants in one district, the government should consider establishing industries for employment generation.

Going by the present state of affairs, it is unlikely that the projects would meet their 2013 deadline. All the while, the government continues to shell out money for power purchase from other states.


http://www.deccanherald.com/content/197016/more-power-projects-critical.html

One-hour load-shedding in Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli-Dharwad

BANGALORE: Official power cuts are back to haunt the state after a gap of nearly a year. Bowing to pressure from various quarters, the state government on Monday, however, decided to spare residents of Bangalore city from load-shedding and reduce load-shedding hours in other urban cities.

As per the schedule released by energy minister Shobha Karandlaje on Monday, there will be no load-shedding in Bangalore city, while one-hour load shedding will be imposed in other urban areas including Mysore, Hubli-Dharwad and Mangalore between 6 pm and 10 pm as against two-hour load shedding planned earlier. The rural areas, however, have to deal with power cuts ranging between 4 and 6 hours daily.

''We are making all-out efforts from our side to ease power crisis in the wake of Telangana agitation. But the situation forced us to impose minimum load-shedding immediately,'' Karandlaje told reporters after chairing a high-level meeting with energy department officials.

Bangalore city residents still have to keep their fingers crossed, as the minister said: ''If the prevailing situation on power front continues for another one or two weeks, we may also be forced to extend the load-shedding hours and also bring Bangalore city under the schedule,'' she added.

She said the state is trying to make up for the shortfall in power supply by buying power from every source, but it is not available in sufficient quantity as the problem is prevalent across the country. ''Maximum power generation of 2000 MW is being done at various hydroelectric projects in the state. But in spite of all these measures, there is a shortfall due to which the load-shedding is introduced on temporary basis,'' she added.

On October 14, the minister said she will lead a delegation to meet the Union power and coal ministers to exert pressure on the Centre to allocate 500 mw from the unallocated share of central generating stations and also to supply an additional 10,000 tonnes of coal daily to overcome the crisis.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysore/articlelist/3942693.cms

Its all great that Karnataka is pushing for renewable sources of energy but its just not enough. We need more nuclear power!!

State may give nod to second unit of UPCL

Despite intense opposition from Pejawar seer Sri Vishweshatheertha Swamiji and many environmentalists, the state government is contemplating to grant approval for the second unit of the Udupi Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) at Nandikur in Udupi district.

more (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/197235/state-may-give-nod-second.html)

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/197235/state-may-give-nod-second.html

Successive state governments have failed in making Karnataka a energy surplus state.Not at all surprised with the current power situation in the state. Do they really have long term vision like Gujarat???Unless & until we start tapping alternative/renewable sources of energy nothing would change much. First let them take KPCL and PCKL public(IPO) then let them talk of power reforms or whatever..I dont have any expectations from Shoba Karandlaje as Energy Minister because she only talks and talks nothing doing apart from this!!

Anybody has update on Kudagi UMPP status??(ultra mega power project for 4000 MW by NTPC in Kudagi, Bijapur)

State will buy 1 million tonnes of imported coal

BANGALORE: Finally, the state has come up with a contingency plan to overcome hurdles in power generation due to coal shortage. It has placed orders to buy 1 million tonnes of imported coal from domestic sources to run its two major thermal power stations in north Karnataka.

"Though we cannot run our thermal plants purely on imported coal, we have decided to blend imported and domestic coal (20:80 ratio)," Karnataka Power Corporation (KPC) managing director Yogendra Tripathi said. Tripathi said the state government is buying imported coal from an Indian company ( Gupta Coal India Ltd) at Rs 5,700 per tonne, that's approximately Rs 570 crore for 1 million tonnes.Officials said use of imported coal will raise generation cost by more than Re 1 per unit.

Energy minister Shobha Karandlaje said the government is also looking at importing coal from Australia or Indonesia. "Our officials are trying to obtain a coal mining lease if it's available,'' she said in New Delhi on Wednesday.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/State-will-buy-1-million-tonnes-of-imported-coal/articleshow/10333725.cms

Gamesa bets on Karnataka to fulfil wind farm capacity target

SUSHMA U. N.
SHARE · PRINT · T+
BANGALORE, OCT. 17:
Spanish wind power equipment major, Gamesa, is looking at Karnataka as contributing “a substantial portion” to the 1,000 MW of wind farm capacity it has lined up across India over the next one year.

As part of this, Gamesa will put up 50 MW of capacity in the State between now and March 2012. Mr Ramesh Kymal, Gamesa India's Managing Director, told Business Line that while the transmission infrastructure in Karnataka was not as good as in Maharashtra, it was a lot better than in Tamil Nadu. He also noted that the tariff in Karnataka was better.

Gamesa, which is primarily in the business of manufacturing wind turbines, also develops wind farms. Typically, most generating assets in the farm would be owned by different investors — Gamesa's customers and Gamesa would maintain the farm for the investors.

“As part of the first phase of 30 MW, the company has just commissioned 7 MW in the last two weeks and expects the entire farm to start generation by March, 2012,” Mr Kymal said. The wind farm is being put up near the town of Chikodi in Belgaum. Gamesa will add another 25 MW from a similar wind farm at Kiroshi, close to Chikodi.

It takes Gamesa roughly Rs 6 crore to put up a MW of wind power, and when the wind farms in Chikodi are fully operational, Gamesa would have catalysed investments of Rs 300 crore into the wind power sector in Karnataka.

The company has used its flagship 850 KW machines and the farm would generate 60 million units of electricity a year.

Source (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/article2545852.ece)

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Karnataka facing 27% power shortage (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/economy/article2549346.ece)

Karnataka is passing through 27 per cent power shortage mainly due to sudden spurt in demand from the irrigation sector and reduction in power generation due to coal shortages. The present scenario is expected to last for couple of months.

“The State today requires roughly 1,000 MW of additional power and the Energy Minister has promised that the purchases will be made as quickly as possible,” said Mr S. Chandrashekar, Karnataka Council Chairman of the CII.

The power requirement is met by four sources — 44 per cent through thermal units, 31 per cent through hydro electricity via Sharavati, Kali, Ghataprabha and few minor dams, 22.5 per cent renewable sources (wind and solar) and 2.2 per cent through Kiaga nuclear plant. In addition to the above, about 15-20 sugar mills also generate power through co-generations.

Currently, power generation from coal and hydel projects and renewable energy sources such as wind energy are also under severe strain. Due to non-availability of coal from Singareni Colleries and Coal India, the State is facing hurdles to operate thermal power plants located in Raichur and Bellary.

Hydel projects

As far as hydel power generation is concerned, the State is cannot overdraw from hydel projects since water in the reservoirs and dams has to last till summer months.

Up to September, winds were good and 1,600 MW was generated. Due to lack of winds in the last two months power generation has been affected for wind farms.

“The only hope for the State is that the demand for power should come down drastically. For that to happen, it should rain between October and November,” Mr Chandrashekar said.

While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) held the Congress responsible for the present situation, the Congress, on the other hand, has alleged that the crisis was due to the mismanagement of the power sector by the ruling party BJP. The Janata Dal (Secular) has taken the moral high ground of pointing fingers at both the Congress and the BJP for the mess created.

Bangalore spared

While rural areas in Karnataka face a six-hour scheduled power cut daily, and the urban areas face two hours, Bangalore city is spared of power cuts since it's the largest contributor to the State in terms of revenues, Mr Chandrashekar said. Bangalore city, however, is put through staggered holidays (power cuts and load-shedding on rotation in different areas in the city).

“Industries will be hit by the power cuts but they will have to go with it,” he added.

Mr J.R. Bangera, FKCCI President, said that there are over 4.1 lakh industries in Karnataka and with power shortage, the industry will suffer production loss of more than Rs 10 crore a day.

“The SME sector which is generating and maintaining employment, besides supporting wider industrialisation is forced by load shedding to work below its optimum capacity which also affects its viability and future strength,” according to a memorandum submitted by KASSIA (Karnataka Small Scale Industries Association) to the Government.
Sugar mills co-generation

There are about 15-20 sugar mills in the State generating 300 MW to 400 MW. Few of them have signed power purchase agreements (PPA) with the Government. The ones which have not signed PPA are demanding Rs 6.50 per unit but the State Government has initiated a dialogue to buy power at Rs 4.50 per unit keeping the KERC fixed tariff.

Few north Karnataka sugar mills are currently supplying power to the Maharashtra Government at Rs 4.5-5 per unit.

State with largest capacity is now an investment destination
Winds of change: Policies are in place now and companies are moving into Karnataka.
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/multimedia/dynamic/00817/wind_817077f.jpg

BANGALORE, OCT. 23:
Karnataka is now emerging as a hot destination for investments in the wind energy sector. Several IPPs (Independent Power Producers) and wind farm developers have announced plans to set up shop in Karnataka — the State with the largest capacity for wind power in India.

WIND POTENTIAL

The State has an estimated wind potential of 8,591 MW, of which, only 1,576.2 MW has been actually realised as on December 2010, according to the World Institute for Sustainable Energy (WISE).

Until recently, though the State had the potential, Karnataka was not so much in the reckoning because depreciation benefits and policies were better in Tamil Nadu.

However, policies are in place now and companies are moving into Karnataka.

Chennai-based Orient Green Power Ltd is one such with plans to put up a 50 MW project at an investment of Rs 330 crore.

“The project is given to Suzlon on a turnkey basis and is expected to be commissioned during the second quarter of 2012-2013,” Mr P. Krishnakumar, Managing Director, OGPL, told Business Line.

Spanish wind power major, Gamesa, will bring in another 50 MW from a wind farm in Belgaum district. Mr Ramesh Kymal, Gamesa India's Managing Director, told Business Line recently that the transmission infrastructure in Karnataka was not as good as in Maharashtra; it was a lot better than in Tamil Nadu and pointed out that the tariff of Rs 3.70 a unit in Karnataka was better.

BANGALORE COMPANIES

Bangalore based-companies which hitherto had smaller capacity in Karnataka are also now looking at more.

Bangalore-based Bhoruka Power Corporation Ltd is adding a 25.5 MW wind farm at Gadag at an investment of Rs 180 crore to be commissioned by March 2012, and is also working on another 100 MW farm at Chikmanglur, Mr S. Chandrashekar, Managing Director, Bhoruka Power and Karnataka Council Chairman of CII, said.

Fortune Five Hydel Projects Pvt Ltd, part of Bangalore-based Fiza Group, will bring in another 100 MW in Bijapur district.

The company has executed windprojects for 500 MW country-wide and targets another 750 MW of wind energy.

At Rs 6 crore a MW, Karnataka will easily see an inflow of over Rs 2,000 crore for wind farms in the coming months. However, issues regarding forest clearance and land acquisition might hinder the smooth flow of investments.

“Lot of capacity additions are coming up but land acquisition and forest clearance where there is good power is an issue,” Mr Chandrashekar said. Also, while policies are in place, since several wind farms are coming up in rural Karnataka and substations need to be added to increase capacity additions to the grid,” he added.

http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5Z7J75hRkTE/Tqg1ME10G8I/AAAAAAAAAj0/DP48VwHuoBc/s640/Image0595.jpg
http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EHZw7uRpBfg/Tqg1K1IRUcI/AAAAAAAAAjs/RjOH7usGl6U/s640/Image0592.jpg

You will find this on Mangalore-Bangalore Highway

Anybody has update on Kudagi UMPP status??(ultra mega power project for 4000 MW by NTPC in Kudagi, Bijapur)

bloody UPA and its politics not connectivity no coal

bloody UPA and its politics not connectivity no coal

What connectivity they want..railway line is just next to proposed power plant...

HYDERABAD, JUNE 16:
Power major NTPC Ltd., on Thursday said that it is set to add 1500 mw more during the current fiscal, even as it is gearing up to take up a mega project at Kudgi in Karnataka. The corporation now has an installed capacity of 4,450 mw in the South at Ramagundam, Simhadri, Kayamkulam in addition to 2000 mw it receives from the Talcher plant located in Orissa. With the fresh capacity addition, the installed capacity in is poised to go up to 6,000 mw by March next.

The fresh capacity addition will come through second unit of 500 mw at Simhadari, which will make it a superthermal power plant with capacity of 2000 mw, and two units of 500 mw at Vallur in Tamil Nadu, which is being implemented through a joint venture with TN Electricity Board.

Mr.Jayadeb Nanda, who has recently assumed office as Regional Executive Director of NTPC, (South), told Business Line that the Simhadri unit will be ready for commissioning by January 2012 and two units of 500 mw capacity each at Vallur in Tamil Nadu, where a 1500 mw thermal plant is coming up, will also be ready for synchronisation with the grid by March 2012.

“We have signed up power purchase agreements with Southern States for the 4,000 mw thermal plant at Kudgi in Karnataka and are expecting the land allotment of 1900 acres by next quarter this year. In the phase one we will take up 3x800 mw power plant. This will be first thermal plant in South of NTPC under the supercritical technology. Work on other aspects, including suppliers is being finalised,” he said.

“The Kudgi plant will be taken up on a fast track. Various aspects for implementation of the project are now being addressed. Fuel linkage for the project will also be through soon,” he explained.

Mr. Nanda said “NTPC has also signed up with Governments of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka for a 4,000 mw mega power project near Nakapalli of Visakhapatnam district of the State. However, this will be taken up in the next plan period after receiving all necessary clearances.”

“NTPC is keen to take up expansion in the south as we believe there is increasing demand in the region. As a part of the expansion projects, we are also looking at taking up another two units of 500 mw each at Ramagundam thermal project, which has consistently delivered very high plant load factors. Feasibility studies are now underway for expansion,” he said.

Source: Business Line dated 16.06.2011
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/...cle2109995.ece

Dont know how many years it will take but at the moment the "Standing Committee on Power System Planning of Southern Region had scheduled a meeting on 20th October, 2011 to discuss Transmission System for evacuation of power from 2400MW NTPC Kudgi TPS Phase I

http://www.cea.nic.in/reports/powersystems/sppa/scm/sr/agenda_note/33rd_additional.pdf

Korean power equipment supplier Doosan has won NTPC’s R10,000 crore-contract for the bulk supply of 800 mw supercritical boilers, beating competition from domestic players like L&T, Bhel, BGR Energy and Thermax.
Price bids for the project were opened on Wednesday. Bhel has emerged as the second lowest bidder for the project, sources said. Price bids for the supply of turbines are due to open on Thursday.

The Korean company did not participate in NTPC’s tendering for the bulk of supply of 660 mw boilers earlier. But later it changed its mind and decided to bid for NTPC’s contract for 800 mw equipment.

It is setting up power equipment manufacturing facility in India with 100% foreign direct investment. NTPC plans to buy nine units of 800 mw supercritical units for its 12th Plan projects envisaged at places like Lara in Chhattisgarh, Darllipalli and Gajmara in Orissa and Kudgi in Karnataka.
envisaged to have three units of 800 mw while the rest will have two units each. While equipment cost for these projects is estimated at R18,000 crore, expenditure of another R22,000 crore or so be will be required for undertaking implementation of civil construction, balance of plant (BoP) package works. It takes 48-52 months to commission one unit of 800 mw superciriticl unit. As per the terms of the tender document, Doosan and Bhel will share orders for NTPC’s projects. While Doosan will get orders for the supply of five boilers, the balance will go to Bhel.
The outcome is a setback for L&T, which was knocked out of the NTPC’s tendering for the bulk supply of 660 mw supercritical units. While it was able to participate in the re-tendering held by NTPC for the supply of boilers, the bidding is stalled due to a legal case filed by disqualified bidder Ansaldo. Bhel also emerged as the second lowest bidder for the NTPC’s contract for the bulk supply of 660 mw turbines....

Source: Financial Express dated 15.09.2011
http://www.financialexpress.com/news...tract/846701/1

http://www.deccanheraldepaper.com/pdf/2011/11/08/20111108x_002100002.jpg

BANGALORE: After reeling under acute power shortage, the State Government is actively looking at making usage of Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) bulbs mandatory across all households in Karnataka,� as a measure to reduce power consumption.

Unfortunately, lack of proper CFL disposal measures make CFL a

potential health hazard. “Bangalore City alone generates about 1,000 tons of E-waste every month, of which about five per cent comprise CFL bulbs and tubelights,” says a senior environmental officer from Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB). All CFLs contain mercury, which is a highly toxic metal that can cause kidney and brain damage. Elaborating the adverse effects of Mercury noted environmentalist Yellapa Reddy says, “In case a bulb breaks, then even a small leak of Mercury is enough to damage the brain of a person. It can also penetrate the womb of a pregnant woman

affecting the foetus.” He adds,“While the CFL bulbs are extremely energy-efficient and consume 80 per cent power less than incandescent bulbs, they are a potential threat to nature when they are disposed and tossed in the trash. Most likely, they will find their way to a land-fill, and over a period of time, contaminate ground water supply. The lamps could also be incinerated, which would lead to mercury rain. The rain water will eventually accumulate in lakes and rivers, ultimately contaminating the aquatic ecosystems and by chain reaction, the food we consume.” “Instances of mercury poisoning discharges in water bodies in Japan and in Kodaikanal (by a mercury-based thermometer company) are well known to everyone. In this case, CFL bulbs are no less a contaminant” says Dr Thuppil Venkatesh, Principal Investigator, National Referral Centre for Lead Poisoning in India.

Shockingly, neither the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) nor the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) have issued any specific guidelines to collect and dispose CFL bulbs.

Confirming this, managing director of E-Parisaraa, the Electronic Waste Recycling Company approved by both CPCB and KSPCB, P Parthasarathy says, “There is no recycling unit for CFL bulbs in the state. In 2008, the CPCB framed the E-waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2008, and it included guidelines for mercury management in the CFL sector as well. But the portion was apparently waived off in 2009. Even in the new proposed E-waste (Management and Handling), Rules 2011, which has already been notified and is likely to be implemented in May 2012, there is no mention of the CFL bulbs and tube lights.

Speaking to City Express, a senior environment officer, KSPCB said, “The CPCB is now seriously re-thinking this issue. In Karnataka, we have already alerted the E-waste recycle collectors to separate CFL bulbs.”

However, the cost of constructing a scientific disposal unit is about Rs 2 crore. Also, a lot of CFL bulbs are disposed by Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike as they are used in street lamps. So, it is BBMP’s responsibility to plan it disposal, say KSPCB officials.


(Watch CNN-IBN live on your iPad. IBN7 and IBN Lokmat too. Download the IBNLive for iPad app. It's free. Click here to download now)

IBNLive (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/is-cfl-a-threat-or-a-boon-to-the-environment/199902-60-119.html)

Move restricts potential to 80 MW, say private players

Nandini Chandrashekar, Bangalore, Nov 8, DHNS:

A request for proposal (RPF) floated by the State to invite tenders for setting up solar power plants has stirred up a storm of discontent among solar power developers.


The Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) released an RPF inviting tenders for setting up a 80-MW of solar thermal and solar photovoltiac projects in accordance with the State’s renewable energy policy to make capacity additions of 126 MW of solar power in the next five years.

The power purchase agreement (PPA) tariff fixed by KREDL quotes Rs 14.50 for a unit of electricity. This is the amount fixed by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC). The bids for the projects close on November 24.

However, the Solar Power Project Developers Association of Karnataka have objected to the tender process stating that there was a vast potential for development of solar power projects to the tune of 7000 MW in Karnataka.

“When this is the case, why is the government restricting the development of the solar power projects to only 80MW and depriving the opportunities to developers in getting solar power in a big way,” asks the president of the Association M M Bhat.

Power developers also allege that the potential is being limited to only 80MW to favour select players in the market who are politically connected.

“It is clear that KREDL and the Energy Department want to handpick select business houses. And though the normal period of PPAs in other projects like wind, hydro and biomass units is only for 10 years, it is twenty-five years for solar power plants. This is clearly a case of bias,” alleged a developer who did not want to be named.

While representations have already been made to the chief minister, smaller developers of solar power allege clear favouritism in the conditions set by KREDL stating that they cannot be managed by smaller players. “The bidder has to submit a bank guarantee of Rs 7.5 crore for an application.

The bidder will also have to supply a performance guarantee of Rs 30 lakh per MW. In addition, another Rs 20 lakh per MW will have to be submitted as bid security. This is extremely unreasonable and will make the tender process accessible only to a select few,” the developer said.

The developers are also sceptical about the paying capacity of escoms (with the tariff of Rs 14.50 a unit).

With the escoms already reeling under the impact of unpaid bills by the State due to supply of free power to irrigation pumpsets, developers are sceptical about how they will be able to pay on time. “The financial burden is already heavy and they are not known to pay on time to wind and hydro projects. After such heavy investment, what is the guarantee they will pay on time?” questioned the developer.

DHNS (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/203510/solar-power-plant-tender-proposal.html)

Each windmill has installed capacity of 0.85 MW
They have come up at Chikkodi in Belgaum district


Central Arecanut and Cocoa Marketing and Processing Cooperative Ltd. (CAMPCO), Mangalore, commissioned two windmills on November 12. It is expected to reduce CAMPCO's dependency on the State grid for operating the cooperative's chocolate factory at Puttur in Dakshina Kannada district.

Addressing presspersons here on Tuesday, CAMPCO president Konkodi Padmanabha said the two new windmills with 0.85 MW capacity each were installed near Chikkodi in Belgaum district at a cost of Rs. 10.36 crore. On March 31, 2009, CAMPCO commissioned a 1.25-MW windmill at Halthimalapura in Hoovinahadagali taluk, Bellary district.

Now, the three windmills have the potential to generate 57 lakh units of power a year.

General Manager of CAMPCO Suresh Bhandary said that CAMPCO will supply energy produced by the three windmills to the power grid and will draw the same quantity of power from KPTCL at Puttur for running the chocolate factory.

According to Mr. Bhandary, the total annual power requirement of the factory stood at 60 lakh units. As the wind mills would supply 57 lakh units a year the dependency of the factory on grid power would be reduced to the extent of three lakh units a year.

He said that the mill at Halthimalapura generated 25 lakh units of power in 2009-10 and 21 lakh units in 2010-11.

Mr. Padmanabha said the factory produced 14,000 tonnes of cocoa-based finished and semi-finished products in 2010-11. It aims to increase the production to 17,000 tonnes in 2011-12.

CAMPCO proposes to install new machinery at the chocolate factory at an estimated cost of Rs. 25 crore, and the production would be increased to 23,000 tonnes by 2015. The president said that CAMPCO had set up warehouses at Birur in Chikmagalur district and at Channagiri in Davangere district to store arecanut. Each of them could store 1,000 tonnes. In addition, warehouses are being constructed at Bheemasamudra in Chitradurga and Bhadravati in Shimoga district.

http://www.thehindu.com/template/1-0-1/gfx/logo-footer.gif (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article2631525.ece)

State to get 1,000 MW more by March'

Second units of Bellary, Udupi thermal stations to go on stream by then: Shobha Karandlaje

Minister for Energy Shobha Karandlaje said on Wednesday that the second units of the Bellary and Udupi thermal power stations would start functioning from March next year.

“This will provide an additional 1,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity to the State,” she told presspersons here.

Ms. Karandlaje said that the first phase of the Nirantara Jyoti scheme would be completed by June next year in 70 taluks in the State.

The scheme aims at supplying 24-hour single-phase electricity to rural areas.

“The other taluks, barring the ones under the rural load management project, will be covered under the scheme in the second phase, which will be completed by December next year,” she said.

She refuted the allegations that the scheme was unscientific and had been prepared without proper planning.

“We are unable to produce the quantity of power required for the State on account of the Union Government not supplying adequate coal to the State.

Besides, we have not been able to start even the civil works of other thermal projects in the State for fear of not receiving the required amount of coal in future,” she said.

She urged members of the Opposition not to politicise the issue of power and appealed the Union Ministers from the State to ensure that the Centre supplied the necessary amount of coal to the State. Ms. Karandlaje said the Government was finding it difficult to meet the rapidly increasing demand for the power. “The State needs 7,500 MW of power while we are currently able to produce only 6,500 MW,” she said.

The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article2634444.ece)

Good development.

Vinobha K T, TNN | Nov 15, 2011, 06.28PM IST

MANGALORE: Minister for Environment and Ecology J Krishna Palemar on Tuesday categorically said the government will not give its nod for the proposed Unit II of the Udupi Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) at Nandikur in Udupi unless environmental issues related to the thermal power plant are completely addressed by the plant authorities.

Palemar told TOI the state was facing acute shortage of power, but it will not go ahead blindly to approve the Unit II of UPCL, which is proposed to produce 600 MW power.

"I have held a discussion with chief minister D V Sadananda Gowda personally. Since the chief minister is also from our district, he knows the issue very well and has taken it very seriously. The clearance given by officials of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) for the Unit II has already been cancelled," he said.

The Unit I of UPCL with 600 MW capacity, which was shut down for maintenance, is still not operational. Meanwhile, the government had appointed an expert committee led by Karnataka State Bio fuel Development Board executive chairman Y B Ramakrishna and assessor at the Centre for Ecological Studies of Indian Institute of Science (IISC), Bangalore, T V Ramachandra to look into the problems faced by residents in Nandikur and surrounding villages. The committee will hold a public consultation with regard to the issue on November 19.

Meanwhile, Pejawar Mutt seer Vishweshatheertha Swamiji had demanded that the Unit I of the UPCL should not be allowed to operate again until the expert committee gives its nod and the UPCL adhere to the norms of KSPCB fully.

Palemar said that power crisis is a major issue in the state and hence it is not possible for the government to stop the functioning of Unit I of UPCL.

"The 600 MW power produced in the Unit I will cater the needs of the region. However, we will not allow UPCL to function without rectifying the environmental issues," he added.

TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mangalore/Nod-for-IInd-UPCL-unit-only-if-first-complies-with-environment-norms/articleshow/10741647.cms)

ಯುಪಿಸಿಎಲ್*: ತಜ್ಞರಿಂದ ಪರಿಶೀಲನೆ

Udayavani | Nov 20, 2011

ಪಡುಬಿದ್ರಿ: ಕಲ್ಲಿದ್ದಲು ಆಧಾರಿತ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಉತ್ಪಾದನಾ ಯೋಜನೆ ಯುಪಿಸಿಎಲ್*ನ ಸಂತ್ರಸ್ತರ ಅಹವಾಲುಗಳನ್ನು ಸ್ವೀಕರಿಸಲು ಉಡುಪಿಗೆ ಬಂದಿದ್ದ ತಜ್ಞರ ಸಮಿತಿಯ ವೈ.ಬಿ. ರಾಮಕೃಷ್ಣ ಹಾಗೂ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನ ಐಐಎಸ್*ಸಿಯ ಡಾ| ಟಿ.ವಿ. ರಾಮಚಂದ್ರ ಅವರು ರವಿವಾರ ಪರಿಸರ ಮಾಲಿನ್ಯ ನಿಯಂತ್ರಣ ಮಂಡಳಿಯ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿಗಳು ಮತ್ತು ಸಂತ್ರಸ್ತರೊಂದಿಗೆ ಸಾಂತೂರು ಗ್ರಾಮದಲ್ಲಿನ ಯುಪಿಸಿಎಲ್* ಬೂದಿ ಹೊಂಡ ಪ್ರದೇಶಕ್ಕೆ ಭೇಟಿ ನೀಡಿದರು.

http://124.124.66.69/udayavani/udayavani_cms/gall_content/2011/11/2011_11$advtcontent120_Nov_2011_215713810.jpg
ಯುಪಿಸಿಎಲ್*ನ ವಾರ್ಷಿಕ ನಿರ್ವಹಣೆ ವೇಳೆಯೂ ತಂದು ಹಾಕಲಾಗುತ್ತಿರುವ ತಳದ ಬೂದಿ.

ವಾರ್ಷಿಕ ನಿರ್ವಹಣೆಯ ವೇಳೆಯಲ್ಲೂ ಟಿಪ್ಪರ್*ಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ತಂದು ಹಾಕಲಾಗುತ್ತಿರುವ ತಳದ ಬೂದಿಯ ರಾಶಿ, ಹೊರ ಚಿಮ್ಮುತ್ತಿರುವ ಬೂದಿ ಮಿಶ್ರಿತ ಕರಿನೀರನ್ನು ಕಂಡ ವೈ.ಬಿ. ರಾಮಕೃಷ್ಣ ಅವರು, ಸುಟ್ಟ ಕಲ್ಲಿದ್ದಲ ವಿಷ ಮಿಶ್ರಿತ ನೀರು ಅಂತರ್ಜಲವನ್ನು ಸೇರದಂತೆ ಬೂದಿ ಹೊಂಡದ ತಾಂತ್ರಿಕ ರಚನೆಯನ್ನು ಪರಿಸರ ಮಾಲಿನ್ಯ ನಿಯಂತ್ರಣ ಮಂಡಳಿ ಗಮನಿಸಿದೆಯೇ, ಅದನ್ನು ಧೃಢೀಕರಿಸಿದೆಯೇ ಎಂದು ಅಲ್ಲಿದ್ದ ಮಂಡಳಿಯ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿಯನ್ನು ಪ್ರಶ್ನಿಸಿದಾಗ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿ ಆ ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆಗಳು ತನಗೆ ಸಂಬಂಧಿಸಿದ್ದೇ ಅಲ್ಲ ಎಂಬಂತಿದ್ದರು.

ಅಗತ್ಯ ಮಾಹಿತಿಗಳನ್ನು ಸಂಗ್ರಹಿಸಿಕೊಂಡ ಬಳಿಕ ತಜ್ಞರು ಬಳಿಕ ಎಲ್ಲೂರು ಗ್ರಾಮದ ಜಯಂತ್* ಕುಮಾರ್* ಮತ್ತು ಮಲ್ಲಿಗೆ ಕೃಷಿಯಿಂದ ಜೀವನ ಸಾಗಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದು ಇದೀಗ ಅತ್ಯಲ್ಪ ಇಳುವರಿ ಪಡೆಯುತ್ತಿರುವ ಕೃಷಿಕ ಮಹಿಳೆ ವಿಮಲಾ ಅವರ ಮನೆಗಳನ್ನು ಸಂದರ್ಶಿಸಿದರು.

ವೃದ್ಧ ವಾಸುದೇವ ರಾವ್* ದಂಪತಿಯ ಅಹವಾಲುಗಳನ್ನು ಆಲಿಸಿದ ತಜ್ಞರು ಮುಂದೆ ನಂದಿಕೂರಿನ ಎಲ್ಲು ಮೂಲ್ಯ ಅವರ ಮನೆ, ಯೋಜನಾ ಪ್ರದೇಶದಲ್ಲಿ ವಿಸ್ತಾರವಾದ ತೆರದ ಅಂಗಳದಲ್ಲಿ ರಾಶಿ ಹಾಕಲಾಗಿರುವ ಕಲ್ಲಿದ್ದಲ ರಾಶಿ ಮುಂತಾದವುಗಳನ್ನು ವೀಕ್ಷಿಸಿದರು.

ಜಿಲ್ಲಾಧಿಕಾರಿ ಗಮನ ಸೆಳೆದಿರುವೆ: ವೈ.ಬಿ.ಆರ್*

ಯುಪಿಸಿಎಲ್*ನ ಸಾಂತೂರು ಬೂದಿಹೊಂಡ ಪ್ರದೇಶದಲ್ಲಿ ತಮ್ಮ ಮನೆ ಬಾವಿ ನೀರು ಹಾಳಾಗಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಸ್ಥಳೀಯ ಮಹಿಳೆಯರಾದ ವನಿತಾ, ಕುಸುಮಾ, ರಜನಿ ಮುಂತಾದವರ ದೂರನ್ನು ಆಲಿಸಿದ ವೈ.ಬಿ. ರಾಮಕೃಷ್ಣ ಅವರು, ತಾನು ಈ ಕುರಿತು ಜಿಲ್ಲಾಧಿಕಾರಿಗಳ ಗಮನ ಸೆಳೆದಿದ್ದೇನೆ. ಜಿಲ್ಲಾಧಿಕಾರಿ ತನ್ನ ಗಮನಕ್ಕೆ ಈ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆ ಬಂದಿಲ್ಲವೆಂದಿದ್ದು ನಾಳೆಯೇ ಈ ಕುರಿತ ಮಾಹಿತಿ ತರಿಸಿಕೊಂಡು ತ್ವರಿತ ಪರಿಹಾರ ಕಾರ್ಯವನ್ನು ಕೈಗೆತ್ತಿಕೊಳ್ಳುವುದಾಗಿ ತಿಳಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಯೋಜನಾ ಪ್ರದೇಶದ ಸುತ್ತಮುತ್ತಲ ಹಳ್ಳಿಗಳ ಸಂಪರ್ಕ ರಸ್ತೆ, ಕುಡಿಯುವ ನೀರಿನ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆಗಳ ಬಗೆಗೆ ಜಿಲ್ಲಾಡಳಿತವು ಆದ್ಯತೆಯ ಮೇಲೆ ಕ್ರಮ ಕೈಗೊಳ್ಳಬೇಕಿದೆ ಎಂದರು.

ಇಂತಹಾ ಪರಿಹಾರ ಕಾರ್ಯಗಳಿಗೆ ತಗಲುವ ವೆಚ್ಚಗಳನ್ನು ಸಮಸ್ಯೆಗಳ ಸೃಷ್ಟಿಗೆ ಕಾರಣವಾದ ಕಂಪೆನಿಯೇ ಭರಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳಬೇಕು. ಅದನ್ನು ಗ್ರಾಮ ಪಂಚಾಯತ್*ಗಳು ಭರಿಸಲಾಗದು ಎಂದು ರಾಮಕೃಷ್ಣ ಹೇಳಿದರು.

ತಮ್ಮ ವರದಿಗೆ ಇನ್ನೂ ಕೆಲ ತಾಂತ್ರಿಕ, ವೈಜ್ಞಾನಿಕ ಪೂರಕ ವರದಿಗಳು ಬರಬೇಕಿವೆ. ತತ್*ಕ್ಷಣದ ಪರಿಹಾರ ಮತ್ತು ದೀರ್ಘ*ಕಾಲೀನ ಪರಿಹಾರಗಳನ್ನು ತಾವು ವಿಶ್ಲೇಷಿಸಬೇಕಿದೆ. ಯುಪಿಸಿಎಲ್* ತಮಗೆ ನೀಡಿರುವ ವರದಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕೆಲ ಕಂದರ(ಗ್ಯಾಪ್*)ಗಳನ್ನು ತಾನು ಗಮನಿಸಿದ್ದೇನೆ. ಕಂಪೆನಿ ಕೆಲ ಪರಿಹಾರ ಕ್ರಮಗಳನ್ನು ತ್ವರಿತವಾಗಿ ಕೈಗೊಳ್ಳಬೇಕಿತ್ತು. ಆದರೆ ಅದು ವಿಳಂಬನೀತಿಯನ್ನು ಅನುಸರಿಸುತ್ತಿದೆ. 900ಕ್ಕೂ ಅಧಿಕ ಲಿಖೀತ ಅಹವಾಲುಗಳು ಬಂದಿವೆ. ಅವುಗಳನ್ನು ವಿಂಗಡಿಸಿಕೊಂಡು ಜಿಲ್ಲಾಡಳಿತದ ಜತೆಗೆ ಗ್ರಾಮಸ್ಥರು, ಕಂಪೆನಿ, ರಾಜ್ಯ ಸರಕಾರ ಮತ್ತು ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಸರಕಾರಗಳಿಗೆ ಮಾರ್ಗದರ್ಶಿಯಾಗಿರಬಲ್ಲ ತಮ್ಮ ವರದಿಯನ್ನು ಸುಮಾರು ಒಂದೂವರೆ ತಿಂಗಳುಗಳೊಳಗಾಗಿ ಸಿದ್ಧಪಡಿಸುವುದಾಗಿ ವೈ.ಬಿ. ರಾಮಕೃಷ್ಣ ಹೇಳಿದರು.

ಆಮೂಲಾಗ್ರ ಸುಧಾರಣೆ ಅಗತ್ಯ

ಯಾವನೇ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿಯನ್ನು ತಾನು ಈ ಕುರಿತು ದೂಷಿಸುವುದಿಲ್ಲ. ಮುಖ್ಯವಾಗಿ ನಮ್ಮ ರಾಜಕೀಯ ಮತ್ತು ಆಡಳಿತ ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥೆ ಸರಿಯಿಲ್ಲ. ಆಮೂಲಾಗ್ರವಾಗಿ ಆಡಳಿತ ಸುಧಾರಣೆಯಾಗದಿರುವುದೇ ಈ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆಗಳಿಗೆ ಮೂಲ ಕಾರಣ ಎಂದು ತಜ್ಞರ ಸಮಿತಿಯಲ್ಲಿನ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಜೈವಿಕ ಇಂಧನ ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿ ಮಂಡಳಿ ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷ ವೈ.ಬಿ. ರಾಮಚಂದ್ರ ವರದಿಗಾರರ ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆಗಳಿಗೆ ಉತ್ತರಿಸಿದರು.

ತಜ್ಞರೊಂದಿಗೆ ನಂದಿಕೂರು ಜನಜಾಗೃತಿ ಸಮಿತಿಯ ಗೌರವ ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷ ಬಾಲಕೃಷ್ಣ ಶೆಟ್ಟಿ ದುಬಾೖ, ಮಾಧವ ಶೆಟ್ಟಿ ಭಂಡಾರಮನೆ, ಹರಿ ಶೆಟ್ಟಿ, ವಿದ್ಯಾ ದಿನಕರ್*, ಮುದರಂಗಡಿ ಗ್ರಾಮ ಪಂಚಾಯತ್* ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷ ಸುನಿಲ್*ರಾಜ್* ಶೆಟ್ಟಿ, ಮಾಜಿ ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷ ರವೀಂದ್ರ ಪ್ರಭು, ನಂದಿಕೂರು ಜನಜಾಗೃತಿ ಸಮಿತಿಯ ಕಾರ್ಯದರ್ಶಿ ಜಯಂತ್*ಕುಮಾರ್*, ನಾಗೇಶ ರಾವ್*, ನಿತಿನ್* ಮುದರಂಗಡಿ ಮತ್ತಿತರರು ಇದ್ದರು.

ಉದಯವಾಣಿ (http://www.udayavani.com/news/111024L15-ಯ-ಪ-ಸ-ಎಲ----ತಜ-ಞರ--ದ-ಪರ-ಶ-ಲನ-.html)

http://www.deccanheraldepaper.com/pdf/2011/11/22/20111122aB002100010.jpg

Government gives approval for first block of Bidadi power plant

KPCL will enter into a Gas Transportation Agreement with GAIL (India) Ltd.

The Government has given approval for the implementation of the first block of the 700-MW Bidadi Combined Cycle Power Plant (CCPP) using liquefied natural gas (LNG) as fuel.

Originally, the Bidadi CCPP was designed with a capacity of 1,400 MW, but it was scaled down to 700 MW because procurement of LNG to meet the 100 per cent fuel requirement of a 1,400-MW plant was not affordable.

Official sources said here that the Government had given its approval to Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd. (KPCL) to enter into a Gas Transportation Agreement (GTA) with GAIL (India) Ltd. for transporting gas to the 700-MW Bidadi CCPP.

Panel to take decision

The decision to fix a cap on the GAIL transmission charges shall be taken by a committee under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary.

The sources said that if the power plant was not operated owing to the high cost of gas, resulting in the high cost of power, then the Government would provide Rs. 480 crore every year to KPCL to service its loan of Rs. 3,712 crore.

Under such a circumstance, the GAIL transmission charges of Rs. 226 crore every year would be paid by the Government.

The Government had also agreed to provide guarantee for the loan taken by KPCL, if required. The Government Order also stated that the power generated at the Bidadi CCPP would be supplied to Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) as the plant was near its load centre.

The order further stated that Bescom may file a petition before the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) to fix an appropriate tariff for the power received from the Bidadi CCPP.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article2648763.ece

Allocation of 400-MW grid-linked solar projects to start in six months

Grid-connected solar power generation is set to get a boost in Karnataka in about six months as the State is expected to start allocation of 400-MW grid-connected solar power generation projects by then.

Disclosing this at an interaction meeting with the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) here on Tuesday, Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd. (KREDL) Managing Director N.S. Prasanna Kumar noted that tenders had been floated for setting up projects with a total capacity of 80 MW. The allocation of projects with respect to these tenders would start in 15 days, he said.

The projects would be allocated under reverse bidding process, where a company which quotes a maximum quantum of discount to be offered in the tariff of Rs. 14.50 a unit, prescribed by the State regulator, would be chosen for implementation of the project, he said. Under the same model, projects with a total capacity of 120 MW would be allocated in about six months.

In addition to this, projects with a total capacity of 200 MW would be taken up under the Renewable Energy Certification Scheme of the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy in six months to a year, he said.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article2651558.ece

Karnataka: Villagers resist uranium mining project

A demand has been made for the constitution of an independent team of experts to look into the health and environmental implications of the proposed uranium mining project in Yadgir district of Karnataka.

Stressing that any Government-commissioned study may 'suppress' some facts to favour the project, a Congress MLA has called for an independent team of experts in the field of uranium and nuclear energy to look into villagers' fears over perceived health and environmental safety hazards

read more: http://zeenews.india.com/news/karnataka/karnataka-villagers-resist-uranium-mining-project_743215.html

Karnataka Renewable Energy receives 22 bids for setting up solar projects

Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd (KREDL) has received 22 bids for setting up solar power projects under the ‘Karnataka solar policy’.

Today was the last day for submitting the bids. Mr N S Prasanna Kumar, Managing Director, KREDL, told Business Line.

As part of its 350 MW programme, KREDL had floated a tender inviting bids for setting up projects that total to 80 MW.

The projects would be allocated under ‘reverse bidding’ process. They will be allocated to bidders who have quoted the steepest discounts to the tariff fixed by KREDL (Rs 14.50).

read more: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/economy/article2656871.ece

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-- Udayavani

NTPC to Establish 4000MW Power Plants in Karnataka and Chhattisgarh (http://www.steelguru.com/indian_news/NTPC_to_Establish_4000MW_Power_Plants_in_Karnataka_and_Chhattisgarh/237840.html)

Mr KC Venugopal minister of state for power informed the Lok Sabha that NTPC has signed an MOU with the government of Karnataka & Power Company of Karnataka Limited on January 12th 2009 to establish a 4000 MW coal based thermal power project at Kudgi in Bijapur district of Karnataka. MOU has also been signed with government of Chhattisgarh on July 12th 2009 for setting up of a 4000 MW coal based thermal power project at Lara in Raigarh district of Chhattisgarh.

The topographical survey and preliminary Geo-tech investigation for the main plant area land have been carried out for both sites.

The placement of award is expected in the financial year 2011-12 after getting possession of entire land, environment & forest clearance and other statutory clearances.

‘Road widening, beautification are top priorities'
(http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article2696799.ece)

On the proposed 4,000 MW thermal power plant at Kudgi village in Basavan Bagewadi taluk of the district, Mr. Pawar said that it has come to his notice that most of farmers had handed over land for the project by receiving compensation. Only a few farmers are demanding higher compensation and this would be sorted out at a meeting.

^^
ಕೂಡಗಿ ಸ್ಥಾವರಕ್ಕೆ ಶೀಘ್ರ ಶಿಲಾನ್ಯಾಸ

ಆಲಮಟ್ಟಿ: ಕೂಡಗಿ ಬಳಿ ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಸರಕಾರಿ ಸ್ವಾಮ್ಯದ ಎನ್.ಟಿ.ಪಿ.ಸಿ. ಸ್ಥಾಪಿಸಲು ಉದ್ದೇಶಿಸಿರುವ 4000 ಮೆಗಾವಾಟ್ ಸಾಮರ್ಥ್ಯದ ಶಾಖೋತ್ಪನ್ನ ಕೇಂದ್ರಕ್ಕೆ ಬರುವ ಜನವರಿ ಅಂತ್ಯಕ್ಕೆ ಶಿಲಾನ್ಯಾಸ ಮಾಡಲಾಗುವುದು ಎಂದು ಬೃಹತ್ ಮತ್ತು ಮಧ್ಯಮ ಕೈಗಾರಿಕಾ ಸಚಿವ ಮುರಗೇಶ ನಿರಾಣಿ ಹೇಳಿದರು.

read more:- http://www.prajavani.net/web/include/story.php?news=54289&section=112&menuid=10

More than 60 per cent land acquired for Kudgi thermal power plant

The project will be officially launched either this month or in January

After several hiccups, the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) has succeeded in acquiring more than 60 per cent of the land required for the 4,000-MW thermal power plant at Kudgi village in Basavanbagewadi taluk of Bijapur. The acquisition of the remaining land is under progress.

Of the 3,500 acres of land required for the project, the authorities have acquired 1,960 acres of land.

According to official sources, the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) signed a memorandum of understanding with the Government of Karnataka to set up three units of 800 MW each in the first phase and two units of 800 MW in the second stage at the proposed site in 2009.

Initially, farmers in the region had refused to provide land for the project fearing that it would have an adverse impact on horticultural and agricultural produce grown in the area and the water in the Alamatti dam.

read more:- http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article2710512.ece

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Karnataka state delays solar auction results because of legal snag

A legal snag prevented India’s Karnataka state from opening bids from companies including Tata Power Co. (TPWR) that are seeking contracts to build 80 megawatts of solar power plants, an official said.

Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd., a state-run agency, had planned to open the bids on Dec. 2 and announce the winners. That was delayed after it broke a rule requiring government bodies to award contracts through an online procurement system, said KREDL Managing Director N.S. Prasanna Kumar by telephone from Bangalore.

“The program hasn’t been canceled,” he said. “It’s a legal problem that should be solved in a week or 10 days.”

The agency needs to file an application to exempt it from the electronic procurement rule, Kumar said. After that, the bids will be opened, he said.

Companies that have bid for the 50 megawatts of photovoltaic capacity on offer include Tata Power, Welspun Group, Kiran Energy Solar Power and Jindal Aluminium Ltd. Bidders for 30 megawatts of solar-thermal projects were Sunborne Energy LLC, backed by billionaire Vinod Khosla and Atria Power Corp.

http://www.eco-business.com/news/indias-karnataka-state-delays-solar-auction-results-because-of-legal-snag/

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NTPC to spend Rs 18346 cr in MP, Karnataka

National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has announced an investment of Rs 1,8346 crore for implementing power projects in Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh. Both these projects are subject to necessary approvals from the environment ministry, it said.

While, the country’s largest power producer has a 2,400 megawatt project coming upin the southern state of Karnataka, a 500 mw expansion is planned for a plant in Madhya Pradesh.

The state-run company, with a total generation capacity of 36.01 gigawatts, already has a 3,260 MW operational capacity at its central India plant (MP), while the one in southern India will be new.

Meanwhile, shares of NTPC were 1% down to Rs 159.75 post the announcement.

http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/ntpc-to-spend-rs-18346-crmp-karnataka_641209.html

State needs Rs 22,950 cr for 4,200 Mw of green energy

The Karnataka government, which is aiming to add 4,200 Mw of power from renewable energy (RE) by 2014, requires an investment of Rs 22,950 crore at current prices. Presently, the state has an installed capacity of 2,987 Mw from RE sources out of a total potential of 28,686 Mw.

According to estimates prepared by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard), the state may fall short of an investment of Rs 5,400 crore after taking into account investments from various sources in the RE sector. However, the bank has suggested setting up a special fund to mobilise additional resources to fund various real estate (RE) projects in the state.

During the previous years, investment in the various renewable energy projects’ development has come from private entrepreneurs. However, during the previous three years of renewable energy development in the state, on an average annually about 300 Mw of capacity additions brought in only Rs 1,500 crore investment by private sector.

It is expected that the presently policy initiative of the government may bring in an additional investment of Rs 500 crore annually by the private sector. The solar initiatives may bring in additio-nal investment of about Rs 500 crore through private sector during the policy period. With this the private sector investment would amount to Rs 12,500 crore during the policy period.

The profit making public sec-tor undertakings my also invest in the RE projects and may bring in Rs 5,000 crore. This would leave a gap of Rs 5,400 crore, for which the policy recommends to set up a special fund and other measures. “The draft RE policy of the state also stresses the need for establishing a ‘single window clearance mechanism’, which could also cover execution of power purchase agreement, several fiscal, investment and other incentives for the renewable energy projects like exemption from entry tax on generation equipment,” Nabard said in its State Focus Paper prepared for Karnataka for 2012-13. According to the SFP, each taluk requires about 20-25 Mw power to meet the power dem-and in rural areas. There is a vast scope for exploiting different renewable energy sources in the state. Different players are showing interest in this sector. For instance, the Power Company of Karnataka Ltd (PCKL), a state utility enterprise, proposes to facilitate implementation of about 975 hydel/biomass power plants of 5 Mw each in all taluks of the state by private bidders.

However, Nabard has expressed concerns that large hydro-electric projects are not coming up due to environmental considerations among others. It has suggested to the state government to consider allowing corporates to cultivate plants, in shrub-forest areas, from which bio-fuel could be obtained.

The SFP has projected a pot-ential of Rs 96.5 crore for Karna-taka in the RE sector for the year 2012-13.

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/state-needs-rs-22950-cr-for-4200-mwgreen-energy/460050/

NTPC to invest Rs 18,346 crore in 2 projects

NEW DELHI: Country's top power producer NTPC Ltd will invest Rs 18,346 crore to develop two projects in Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh.

Company's board accorded investment approval to the projects totaling 2,900-mw electricity generation capacity, it said in a regulatory filing.

The proposal includes a new project of 2,400-mw capacity at Kudgi in Karnataka at an estimated cost of Rs 15,166 crore and a 500-mw expansion project at Vindhyachal, Madhya Pradesh at a cost of Rs 3,180 crore. NTPC, with a total generation capacity of 36,000-mw, already has 3,260-mw operational capacity at Vindhyachal.

Both projects are subject to environment clearance, the company said.

In a separate statement, NTPC said it entered into power supply commitment with Madhya Pradesh distribution utility for supply 50-mw from proposed solar plant at Rajgarh in the state. The project is expected to be commissioned by 2013.

Power from the Rajgarh solar project will be pooled with power from the company's coal based stations to lower costs, the company said.

Company's board accorded investment approval to the projects totaling 2,900-mw electricity generation capacity, it said in a regulatory filing.

The proposal includes a new project of 2,400-mw capacity at Kudgi in Karnataka at an estimated cost of Rs 15,166 crore and a 500-mw expansion project at Vindhyachal, Madhya Pradesh at a cost of Rs 3,180 crore. NTPC, with a total generation capacity of 36,000-mw, already has 3,260-mw operational capacity at Vindhyachal.

Both projects are subject to environment clearance, the company said.

In a separate statement, NTPC said it entered into power supply commitment with Madhya Pradesh distribution utility for supply 50-mw from proposed solar plant at Rajgarh in the state. The project is expected to be commissioned by 2013.

Power from the Rajgarh solar project will be pooled with power from the company's coal based stations to lower costs, the company said.

http://www.deccanheraldepaper.com/pdf/2012/01/10/20120110aE006100002.jpg

Bellary thermal plant unit 2 to generate power soon (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/218242/bellary-thermal-plant-unit-2.html)

Bellary, Jan 10, DHNS:

http://www.deccanherald.com/images/editor_images1/2012/01/10/thermal-350.jpg
The turbines of the second unit of the Bellary Thermal Power Station (BTPS) near Kudatini were switched on, on an experimental basis on Monday.
The oil synchronisation of the 500 MW unit will take place on January 15, while the coal synchronisation is scheduled to be held in March.

These are tests to ensure that the execution of work is in proper order before power can be added to the State grid, said G Rathnamma, Executive Director of Bellary Thermal Power Station. There is no shortage of coal for the first stage of BTPS, which is consistently generating 500 MW of power. Arrangements have been made for the supply of coal for the second unit, she said.

The Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) which began the work on the second unit in 2008 was scheduled to complete it by November 2011. Rathnamma said that the work on the third unit of BTPS with an installed capacity of 700 MW is in full swing and is expected to be operational in three years time.

She said the current power crisis faced by the State due to lack of rain in the hydel power generating regions and hurdles in coal supply at the RTPS will be mitigated partly by the Bellary Thermal Power Station.

Work on Kudgi thermal power plant to begin soon

2,000 acres acquired for theproposed 4,000-MW plant

Large- and Medium-scale Industries Minister and Bijapur district in charge Murugesh Nirani has said that 2,000 acres of land has been acquired for the proposed 4,000-MW thermal power plant at Kudgi village in Basavanabagewadi taluk and work on the plant will begin shortly.

Union Power Minister Sushilkumar Shinde will be invited to lay the foundation stone for the project, he told presspersons after attending a meeting to review drought relief works, here on Wednesday.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article2794584.ece

NTPC awaits MoEF nod for Kudgi power project

The state-owned National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) is likely to start work on the first stage of 4,000 Mw ultra mega power project at Kudgi in Bijapur district shortly. Following the transfer of 1,923 acres land by the state government, the board of NTPC recently approved a proposal to take up the work for the first stage of 3x800 Mw project at an estimated investment of Rs 15,166 crore.

The second stage for 2x800 Mw would be taken up later after the state government transfers the entire land for the project, NTPC sources said.

“The Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) has handed over priority land of 1,923 acres land for building the main power plant. Land acquisition for the balance 1,600 acres is in progress. We are awaiting the clearance from the ministry of environment and forests (MoEF) and once the approval comes the civil work on the first stage would commence,” sources said.

After the MoEF approval comes, the board of NTPC will approach the ministry of power for final approval to commence the work on the project, sources informed.

Meanwhile, NTPC has opened a project office at Bijapur, which is very close to the project site in Kudgi village. NTPC has deposited Rs 100 crore to acquire the land at Kudgi village. Of this, the KIADB has disbursed Rs 80 crore to farmers in the villages of Kudgi, Golasangi, Masuti and Telagi in Basavanabagewadi taluk of Bijapur district. The compensation given to farmers varies between Rs 5.25 lakh per acre for dry land and Rs 7 lakh per acre for wetland, KIADB officials said.

NTPC sources said about 1,100 acres of land for construction of Ash Dyke is under notification for acquisition. The company has included the Kudgi plant equipment in the bulk tendering issued for many other projects. The first unit will be operational in 58 months from the date of award of contract for the main plant equipment.

The Karnataka government had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with NTPC on January 12, 2009 for the proposed project. This would be the first power project being set up in Karnataka by NTPC. The state government has committed to supply 5.2 tmc ft water from Almatti dam for the project.

NTPC would use the supercritical thermal technology at this plant. The proposed plant will have the capacity to generate 80 million units of power a day and 50 per cent of it would be supplied to Karnataka while the remaining would be shared among other states. The power purchase agreement was signed between NTPC and electricity supply companies in November 2010.

At present, NTPC has an installed capacity of 36,014 Mw and operates 15 coal-based, seven gas-based and six joint venture power stations. NTPC expects to have a 1,28,000 Mw generation capacity by 2032.

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/ntpc-awaits-moef-nod-for-kudgi-power-project/461620/

HC declines to direct Karnataka govt to reconsider decision on Posco

Karnataka High Court today said it cannot direct the state government to reconsider its decision to shelve Posco's proposed multi-crore steel plant in Gadag district while dismissing a PIL by a group of farmers who wanted the project to be implemented.

The court was hearing a PIL filed by 117 farmers seeking its intervention to direct the state government to go ahead with setting up of the Posco plant as they were prepared to give away their land.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Vikramjit Sen and B V Nagarathna directed the petitioners to make an appeal to the government to reconsider its decision.

The B S Yeddyurappa Government in July last year had halted the project after stiff opposition from farmers in Halligudi in Gadag district over land acquisition.

Posco's integrated 6-million steel plant was proposed to be set up at an investment of Rs 32,000 crore. It has already paid Rs 130 crore to the state industrial board to carry out land acquisition

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/218943/hc-declines-direct-karnataka-govt.html

Environment Ministry clears line through Western Ghats to evacuate Udupi power

The Karnataka Government has got the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) clearance to draw 400 kV line through the Western Ghats to evacuate power generated by Udupi Power Corporation Ltd (UPCL) second unit.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/multimedia/dynamic/00892/BL14_KAR_WESTERN_GH_892414f.jpg

According to the Karnataka Higher Education Minister, Dr V.S. Acharya, “The Government, four days ago, got the necessary clearances from the Union Ministry to take up 400 kV line in Western Ghats. Since it is delayed for a year, we are to commence the work on war footing.”

The 400-crore project is to be executed by KPTCL and we hope to complete it by March this year, he added.

The Government has committed to buy power produced by UPCL at Rs 3.71 for a unit.
sulphur content

“Since UPCL is using coal from Indonesia, it has high sulphur content at 0.86/kg. We have asked the promoters of power plant to install desulphurisation plant to minimise pollution,” said Dr Acharya.

Briefing reporters after the State Cabinet meeting, Dr Acharya said “The Cabinet today has ratified spot power purchase made by KPCL during 2011-12.”

“KPCL bought around 1,000 MW by spending Rs 3,877 crore to off-set the State's shortfall during 2011-12. Power was purchased at an average of Rs 4.87/unit and during peak period, about 300 MW was purchased at Rs 5.81/unit,” he added.

As for power needs during 2012-13, Karnataka is banking on completing of 400 kV line to evacuate power generated by Udupi Power Corporation Ltd (UPCL) and Bellary power's third unit.

“For summer needs, we are to follow KERC's guidelines in power purchase. At present we feel comfortable for the two projects are to yield sufficient power to tide over the period,” said Dr Acharya.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/economy/article2799005.ece?ref=wl_industry-and-economy

Kudgi power plant in three years

BIJAPUR: Heavy Industries Minister Murugesh Nirani said that the foundation for the first phase of the Rs 20,000-crore mega power plant in Kudgi would be laid in March. At a press meet held here on Wednesday, he said that the required land of 2,000 acres for the project was already acquired. The first phase of the plant would produce about 2,600 MW of power, he said. He also informed that the entire project would be completed in about three years time.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/kudgi-power-plant-in-three-years/220124-60-115.html

Karnataka's renewable energy potential is far more than 28 GW

PUNE: Studies conducted by the World Institute of Sustainable Energy ( WISE), Pune, a UK government funded organisation working in the renewable energy area, has reported that Karnataka has a high renewable energy (RE) potential. The potential is for more than 28 GW, of which only 3.45 GW has been tapped till November 2011.

Karnataka's RE base of 3.45 GW includes 1,929 MW of wind, 86 MW of biomass, 782 MW of bagasse co-generation, 646 MW of small hydro and 9 MW of solar. Wind offers the maximum potential, with an untapped capacity of 11 GW. Obviously the huge untapped RE potential also creates an investment opportunity.

Significant potential also exists for solar, small hydro, bagasse co-generation and biomass sectors. Under the state's RE Policy, it is estimated that by 2014, there will be a generation of 6,600 MW of renewable electricity. The Renewable Purchase Specification in the state is for of 7%-10%.

http://www.deccanheraldepaper.com/pdf/2012/01/22/20120122aA001100010.jpg

By admin , January 6, 2012

The recent strike by sand transporters has affected work related to setting up of the 5 MW grid-connected solar power plant at Shimsha in Mandya district.

The plant, which was to be ready in January as per the original schedule, is now expected to be completed by February-end.
A top-ranking official in Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd. (KPCL), which is setting up the plant, said: “Work is being expedited to make up for the delay and to ensure that the commissioning of the plant is not delayed further.”

The foundation for the plant that is coming up on 25 acres of land near the Shimsha hydel power project, was laid on June 29, 2011.

The contract for this Rs. 61.50-crore project has been awarded to the Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd.

The biggest

The Shimsha solar plant is the fourth grid-connected solar power plant coming up in the State besides being the biggest.
The plant is expected to generate about eight million units of power a year.

The project cost is said to be the lowest among all such solar plants in the country. This gives it national significance in terms of cost-cutting and economy of scale.

Grid-connected

Several other States too are in the process of implementing grid-connected solar power plants.

KPCL bagged the Shimsha project through bidding under the first phase of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission for which NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd. is a nodal agency.

This scheme of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is a mechanism of bundling the expensive solar power with cheaper power from the unallocated quota of the Union Ministry of Power generated at NTPC thermal stations.

Fast India (http://www.fastindia.in/?p=750)

Indowind Energy Limited -Updates

Indowind Energy Limited has informed the Exchange that the Company has successfully registered 18 MW wind farm project (Project No. 4740) in Elkurnahalli Village, Chitradurga Taluk, Karnataka with UNFCCC for the issuance of CERs (Carbon Emission Reduction) under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) with effect from December 26, 2011. The CERs will be issued based on the complete generation from the above date till the year 2017. This shall benefit investors in the project and Company

http://www.moneycontrol.com/stocks/stock_market/corp_notices.php?autono=515145

Karnataka's renewable energy potential is far more than 28 GW

Studies conducted by the World Institute of Sustainable Energy ( WISE), Pune, a UK government funded organisation working in the renewable energy area, has reported that Karnataka has a high renewable energy (RE) potential. The potential is for more than 28 GW, of which only 3.45 GW has been tapped till November 2011.

Karnataka's RE base of 3.45 GW includes 1,929 MW of wind, 86 MW of biomass, 782 MW of bagasse co-generation, 646 MW of small hydro and 9 MW of solar. Wind offers the maximum potential, with an untapped capacity of 11 GW. Obviously the huge untapped RE potential also creates an investment opportunity.

Significant potential also exists for solar, small hydro, bagasse co-generation and biomass sectors. Under the state's RE Policy, it is estimated that by 2014, there will be a generation of 6,600 MW of renewable electricity. The Renewable Purchase Specification in the state is for of 7%-10%.

http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-01-18/news/30639138_1_renewable-energy-gw-energy-area

KPCL all set to fast-track Bidadi project works (http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/kpcl-all-set-to-fast-track-bidadi-project-works/462709/)

Company awaits nod to sign gas transportation agreement with GAIL

The state-owned power producer, Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) is set to issue a request for proposal (RFP) to pre-qualified bidders for the EPC works for the proposed Bidadi Combined Cycle Power Project (BCCPP). The KPCL is developing the state’s first LNG-based 700 Mw power project at an estimated cost of Rs 4,200 crore at Bidadi, about 35 kms from Bangalore.

“The cabinet has already approved the development of the project. However, KPCL is yet to get one final approval from the state government before it signs the gas transportation agreement with the GAIL India Ltd. We expect the approval to come very soon and start the construction work this year,” Shamim Banu, additional chief secretary, energy department, government of Karnataka said.

KPCL had floated a request for qualification (RFQ) from the interested bidders last year for the EPC works and shortlisted over five companies. The RFP documents would be issued shortly, she said.
During the global investors’ meet (GIM) held in June 2010, the state government had signed an agreement with GAIL India to lay the gas pipeline between Dabhol in Maharashtra and Bidadi near Bangalore to transport gas. Subsequently, GAIL India began laying the pipeline and the work is likely to be completed within the next one year. However, the private sector power developers are still to finalise their plans to set up projects along the pipeline.

The KPCL, which earlier planned to set up a 1,400 Mw project, scaled down its capacity last year to 700 Mw mainly due to the very high prices for the Liquefied Natual Gas (LNG) in the international market. The state cabinet has also approved the KPCL’s proposal to buy LNG on the spot market as the long-term contract involves higher risk and works out expensive for the first block of 1x700 Mw with plus or minus 20 per cent.

“As of now, we have decided to take up the first unit of 700 Mw project due to the high international prices for LNG. We will scale it up later depending on the gas prices,” Banu said. The entire power generated from the project will be allocated to the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) since the plant is near the load centre which could accommodate the requirement of peak load.

Meanwhile, as a short-term measure to manage during the summer months, when the requirement for power goes up, the government would buy 1,000 Mw power on a daily basis, she said.

“We have tied up with private producers for the supply at an average cost of Rs 4.30 per unit everyday. We are hopeful of commissioning the second unit of 500 Mw at the Bellary Thermal Power Station (BTPS) very soon depending on the availability of coal. If that is commissioned we should be able to manage the crisis during summer months quite well,” Banu said.

Bellary thermal power unit II to be commissioned in February-March (http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/karnataka/article2829285.ece)

With 500-MW capacity, it will generate 10 million units of power a day

The Bellary Thermal Power Station's (BTPS) second power generation unit with a capacity of 500 MW is getting ready for commissioning in February-March. This has given hope to the power sector in the State, which is reeling under power shortage, that at least a part of the increase in summer demand for power can be managed as this unit would generate about 10 million units of power a day.

However, the only itch is that normally the new thermal stations need some time to stabilise and work to their full potential after being commissioned.

The BTPS Unit II is getting ready for commissioning, Additional Chief Secretary (Energy Department) Shamim Banu told presspersons on the sidelines of a national conference on “Renewable energy for Karnataka's development and energy security” organised by The World Institute of Sustainable Energy (WISE), a non-profit organisation working in the area of green energy, here on Tuesday.

She said that the State would add about 100 MW to its installed capacity from the renewable energy sector before March.

This would take the total capacity addition in this financial year from the renewable energy sector alone to 550 MW as about 450 MW had been added from this sector, she pointed out.

Most of the additions to the installed capacity were from wind energy while co-generation too had added about 130 MW, she said.

Meanwhile, WISE submitted a master plan for accelerating development of Karnataka's renewable energy sector to the State Government.

According to the plan, which was submitted to Ms. Banu, the renewable energy potential in Karnataka has been assessed to be in the range of 37,895 MW to 73,095 MW as against the capacity of 18,500 mw assessed by Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited.

Wind and solar energy account for a large chunk of these projects in the master plan. While the wind energy potential has been assessed to be 17,000-25,000 MW, the potential of grid-connected solar power has been assessed to be in the range of 6,800-34,000 mw.

Ms. Banu noted that the master plan prepared by WISE would serve as an action plan to implement the State's renewable energy policy.

WISE director-general G.M. Pillai noted that Karnataka could plan for a formidable future in renewable energy as it had a good potential to tap green power. He said that WISE had associated itself with energy sectors of 12 States.

:cheers:

KPCL all set to fast-track Bidadi project works

The state-owned power producer, Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) is set to issue a request for proposal (RFP) to pre-qualified bidders for the EPC works for the proposed Bidadi Combined Cycle Power Project (BCCPP). The KPCL is developing the state’s first LNG-based 700 Mw power project at an estimated cost of Rs 4,200 crore at Bidadi, about 35 kms from Bangalore.

“The cabinet has already approved the development of the project. However, KPCL is yet to get one final approval from the state government before it signs the gas transportation agreement with the GAIL India Ltd. We expect the approval to come very soon and start the construction work this year,” Shamim Banu, additional chief secretary, energy department, government of Karnataka said.

KPCL had floated a request for qualification (RFQ) from the interested bidders last year for the EPC works and shortlisted over five companies. The RFP documents would be issued shortly, she said.

During the global investors’ meet (GIM) held in June 2010, the state government had signed an agreement with GAIL India to lay the gas pipeline between Dabhol in Maharashtra and Bidadi near Bangalore to transport gas. Subsequently, GAIL India began laying the pipeline and the work is likely to be completed within the next one year. However, the private sector power developers are still to finalise their plans to set up projects along the pipeline.

The KPCL, which earlier planned to set up a 1,400 Mw project, scaled down its capacity last year to 700 Mw mainly due to the very high prices for the Liquefied Natual Gas (LNG) in the international market. The state cabinet has also approved the KPCL’s proposal to buy LNG on the spot market as the long-term contract involves higher risk and works out expensive for the first block of 1x700 Mw with plus or minus 20 per cent.

“As of now, we have decided to take up the first unit of 700 Mw project due to the high international prices for LNG. We will scale it up later depending on the gas prices,” Banu said. The entire power generated from the project will be allocated to the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) since the plant is near the load centre which could accommodate the requirement of peak load.

Meanwhile, as a short-term measure to manage during the summer months, when the requirement for power goes up, the government would buy 1,000 Mw power on a daily basis, she said.

“We have tied up with private producers for the supply at an average cost of Rs 4.30 per unit everyday. We are hopeful of commissioning the second unit of 500 Mw at the Bellary Thermal Power Station (BTPS) very soon depending on the availability of coal. If that is commissioned we should be able to manage the crisis during summer months quite well,” Banu said.

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/kpcl-all-set-to-fast-track-bidadi-project-works/462709/

Karnataka Energy Dept lifts stay order on bidding process for solar projects

The stay order placed by the State Energy Department on the tender process for developing solar projects under the Karnataka's Solar Mission has been lifted. Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd (KREDL) is set to open the technical and financial bids in a couple of days.

The main issue that led to the stay was a complaint from bidders stating that KREDL should have followed e-tendering procedure for the bidding process for companies to participate in the Karnataka Solar Mission.

According to Mr N.S. Prasanna Kumar, Managing Director, KREDL, the case “had been resolved”. “The Cabinet has cleared the proposal and we are expecting communication from the cabinet any moment,” he told Business Line.

The State Energy Department had, last month, stayed the tender process for developing solar projects under the Solar Mission, following complaints by few developers.

Under the Karnataka Solar Mission, that State had announced that it was targeting 350 megawatts (MW) of solar projects by 2016.

As part of this, KREDL had floated a tender for setting up projects with a total capacity of 80 MW.

Mr Kumar had earlier told Business Line that “there are no grounds for the stay” as KREDL was not one of the companies that had officially opted for following the e-tendering process for the 80 MW of tendering.

Another problem that developers reportedly raised was that the amount bidders had to pay as security/MW – Rs 20 lakh - was too high for small developers.

Twenty two companies had applied for setting up projects when the bids closed on 24 November, 2011.

Though the bids closed on November 24, the bid documents weren't opened immediately as the tendering process for the National Solar Mission was on and KREDL wanted to wait for those to close before the allocation of projects under the State solar policy was made.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/economy/article2831952.ece?ref=wl_industry-and-economy

Karnataka to add 550MW renewable power this year

Karnataka is planning to add 550MW of power this year through renewable energy sources such as wind, bio-mass and co-generation to mitigate power shortage in the coming months.

Speaking at the one-day national conference on ‘Renewable Energy for Karnataka’s Development and Energy Security’, organised by World Institute of Sustainable Energy (WISE) and supported by Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd, department of energy additional principal secretary Shamim Banu said, “We have already added 450MW of renewable energy to the state. By February we plan to add another 100MW to this.”
Regarding the prevailing power situation, Banu said that it is not a matter of concern as of now as the state is doing well for the time being. “Out of the total installed capacity of around 11,000MW, 3,000MW comes from renewable sources. Of this, wind is a major source and we have to capitalise on this,” she said.

http://www.eai.in/360/news/pages/3156

NTPC’s Kudgi project gets MoEF nod (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/article2834082.ece)

HYDERABAD, JAN. 26:
The Ministry of Environment & Forests has accorded environmental clearance for the Kudgi Super Thermal Power Project Stage-I (3x800 MW) of power major NTPC Ltd, which is being set up in Bijapur district of Karnataka.

The board of directors of NTPC Ltd cleared the investment proposal of Rs 15,166 crore for setting up Stage-I of the project recently. NTPC would be awarding the main plant package and taking up other infrastructure development works shortly. NTPC has sourced the 800 MW units through bulk tendering process.

The Kudgi Super Thermal Power Project is the first project to be set up in Karnataka by NTPC with a total installed capacity of 4,000 MW, in two stages, with phase one of 2,400 MW. The project will feature super critical boilers known for superior output. The coal for this project would be met from NTPC’s own coal mine at Pakhri Barwadi in Jharkhand.

Land allotment

The Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) recently handed over 1,923 acres required for the main plant area. Land acquisition for balance 1,600 acres is in progress.

To meet the water requirement, the Karnataka Government, through its Water Resources Department, has sanctioned 5.2 TMC of water per annum from Almatti Dam which is 18 km from the project site.

The power to be generated from this project would be supplied to Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry, according to NTPC.

Mr R Venkateswaran, Regional Executive Director (South), NTPC Ltd, distributed wheel-chairs and tricycles on the occasion of Republic Day to the differently abled persons as a part of its Corporate Social Responsibility and community development activites.

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/2881/liquorfuel.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/12/liquorfuel.jpg/)

Bangalore, Jan 24:

The Government of Karnataka will add about 550 MW from different renewable energy sources this year, according to a top official in the State Government.

Of the 550 MW, about 250 MW will be from wind, about 130 MW from co-generation from sugar factories, about 50 MW from hydel power plants and the remaining from pico-hydel (of less than 5 KW) and solar sources, Ms Shamim Banu, Additional Chief Secretary (Power), Government of Karnataka, told reporters on the sidelines of a conference on renewable energy organised by the World Institute of Sustainable Energy (WISE) today.

Installed capacity

The State currently has about 3,000 MW of installed capacity coming from renewable energy (RE), out of the total 11,000 MW of installed capacity in the State, and according to WISE, Karnataka has more than 24 GW of renewable energy potential, out of which currently, only 3.45 GW has been tapped.

In this context, the WISE has prepared a master plan of action for the development of renewable energy in Karnataka.

Long-term vision

Broadly, the document gives a “long term vision” for the State, looks at the potential capacity for renewable energy, the issues hindering energy conservation and charts out an action plan to achieve the State's target in commissioning renewable energy projects. The document also gives suggestions on how the use the green energy fund to help speed up energy conservation measures also, Ms Banu said.

“Developers in the State have taken the initiative and come forward and set up RE projects in the state, due to which Karnataka has reaped these benefits and today has a significant quantum of RE. We cannot sit on our laurels…with the help of KREDL, the developers, and WISE, we can help speed up the process and do much more to make Karnataka self-sufficient in renewables and develop it into an energy secure state,” Ms Banu said.

She also said that while an RE Master Plan was planned as part of Karnataka's Renewable Energy when it was formulated in 2009, nothing concrete had happened, and an action plan had now been developed by WISE to assist the government.

However, the Government will not be modifying the existing renewable energy policy based on the recommendations given by WISE, Ms Banu said.

“We need not make any changes in the policy; this action plan will give us a framework and we will work within our policy. We won't be changing the policy,” she said.

sushma.un@thehindu.co.in

Business Line (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/economy/article2829015.ece?homepage=true&ref=wl_home)

Bangalore, Jan 24:

The Government of Karnataka will soon be setting up a special committee to hasten the process of clearing projects proposed by power generating companies.

The Group of Officers, under the Ministry of Power, will be constituted in a couple of weeks to simplify procedures concerning the granting of projects and clear the stumbling blocks, Mr N. Prasanna Kumar, Managing Director, Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd, told Business Line on the sidelines of a conference on renewable energy organised by the World Institute of Sustainable Energy today.

“One of the major concerns expressed by developers has been the time taken for giving clearances, and a separate committee is being set up to address this,” Ms Shamim Banu, Additional Chief Secretary (Power) Government of Karnataka, said at the event.

One of the major issues that renewable energy (RE) developers faced was that of land acquisition, several power project developers said at the conference.

Mr S. Chandrashekar, Managing Director, Bhoruka Power Corporation, said during a session on the challenges RE power developers face that for most hydel projects, land acquisition was an issue as projects sites in Karnataka were in the Western Ghats.

Several projects were put on hold as they were awaiting clearance from the Forest Department, he pointed out.

In response, while Ms Banu said that “the Forest Department has its constraints,” she promised that the new proposed committee would look into these issues as well. “We are also considering giving the collectors from the Revenue Department more authority to allocate land and clear land acquisition,” she added.

Another issue that was hindering the smooth development of renewable energy projects was that of evacuation, according to experts. Despite the huge potential the state has for harnessing wind energy, evacuation issues pose a problem for several wind energy developers. “Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Ltd is working on a grid plan to strengthen the grid,” Ms Banu said.

Mere evacuation of the generated power apart, good evacuation facilities plays a major role in the growth of the Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) programme, Mr D.V. Giri, Chairman, Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers' Association, said.

On the issue of RECs, Mr Chandrashekar added that another issue the Government needs to look into is the bankability of RECs.

“The authorities need to look into the matter of how to make RECs bankable,” he said. There is also uncertainty in the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) benefits, Mr Chandrashekar added.

“There is no way on knowing if this will come or not and several projects are on hold because of this,” he said.

sushma.un@thehindu.co.in

Business Line (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/government-and-policy/article2829013.ece?ref=wl_industry-and-economy)

Power project in Karnataka gets nod

State-owned power producer National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) today said it got Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) clearance for its 2,400-Mega Watt (3x800 Mega Watt), Stage-I Kudgi Super Thermal Power Project being set up in Bijapur district of adjoining Karnataka.

The board of directors recently cleared the investment proposal of Rs 15,166 crore for setting up the project, National Thermal Power Corporation said in a statement here.

The company said it would soon start work at the plant site. National Thermal Power Corporation has sourced the 800-Mega Watt units through a bulk tendering process, it said.

Kudgi is the first plant to be set up in Karnataka by National Thermal Power Corporation and will have a total installed capacity of 4,000 Mega Watt over two phases. The first phase envisages the establishment of 2,400 Mega Watt of generation capacity at the plant.

"The project will have super-critical boilers and the latest technology. The coal requirement will be met from National Thermal Power Corporation's own mine at Pakhri Barwadi, in Jharkhand," the statement said.

Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board recently handed over 1,923 acres of land required for the main plant. Land acquisition for the remaining 1,600 acres is in progress.

To meet the water requirement, the Karnataka government has sanctioned 5.2 thousand million cubic of water per annum from the Almatti Dam, which is 18 kilometres from the plant site, it said.

The power generated from this project would be supplied to Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry.

http://www.ndtv.com/article/karnataka/power-project-in-karnataka-gets-nod-170633

http://www.deccanheraldepaper.com/pdf/2012/01/30/20120130a_002103007.jpg

Indian Energy Plans 1,000 Megawatts of Wind Projects With Trishe

Indian Energy Ltd. (IEL) and Trishe Developers Pvt. agreed to develop as much as 1,000 megawatts of wind farms in stages as the South Asian nation seeks to boost its clean energy production.

Trishe will develop the projects and sell them to Indian Energy subject to “development milestones,” Indian Energy Managing Director Rupert Strachwitz said in an e-mail.

The agreement is one of the largest announced in India, behind a 2,000-megawatt deal struck by Mytrah Energy Ltd. and Gamesa Corp. Tecnologica SA (GAM) last May. India expects to add 2,400 megawatts of new wind capacity in the financial year ending in March as part of a target to have 15 percent of its electricity generated from clean sources by 2020.

The turbines will be supplied by “various” manufacturers, Strachwitz said, without giving details.

Indian Energy and Trishe expect about 300 megawatts to be completed in 2013, 350 megawatts in 2014 and the remainder by 2016, Strachwitz said. The projects will be built in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Maharashtra states.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-30/indian-energy-plans-1-000-megawatts-of-wind-projects-with-trishe.html

157 rural sub-stations in state

The state government has decided to set up 157 rural power stations to prevent loss of power during transmission and store energy to supply quality power to rural consumers, said Minister for Energy and Food, Shobha Karandlaje here on Friday. Karandlaje was in Davangere to inaugurate the 66 KVA power sub-station at Mahajenahalli village in Harihar taluk.

The minister told reporters, at the KPTCL guest house, that construction of the proposed rural power stations would cost the state exchequer Rs 1,500 crore and will be done in a phased manner. The state has decided to give three phase power for six hours, though availability of power is lost in transmission due to shortage of grids, she said. She added that sufficient power stations in villages and setting up of more power sub-stations would certainly prevent theft and transmission losses.

At present the demand for power in Karnataka is 17 per cent more than the current supplies, compared to eight per cent in other states, she said. “The increase in demand is mainly due to several industries coming to set up their units in the state, after the global investors’ meet that look place last year,” Karandlaje said. But to meet this demand the proposed power projects are yet to be commenced, she said.

Power from the 2,000 MW power generation plant at Chattisgarh, Yeramaras thermal power plant near Raichur, third-stage power plant at Bellary and gas based plant near Bidadi in Bangalore rural district are not reaching, due to non availability of coal linkage and also shortage of coal supply to state from the Centre, she said.

‘State to branch out on Open Tendering’

Chitradurga: The state will have to face a power crisis if the Congress-led UPA government doesn’t provide Karnataka’s share of coal immediately, said Shobha Karandlaje here on Friday.� She told media persons that each and every thermal power generation unit should have minimum stock for a period of 20 days. “But in the case of Karnataka, we don’t even have a single rake of coal and are generating power using coal on a day-to-day basis,” she said. The centre is providing sufficient coal to states ruled by the Congress and its allies. They should stop this discrimination and look in to Karnataka too, she urged. The Central grid is providing 700 MW of power to Tamil Nadu, 300 to Andhra Pradesh, 150 to Kerala but not a single unit to Karnataka. “Therefore, we have planned to purchase power through open tendering and the Central government is not ready to provide a corridor for the transmission of power,” she alleged.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/157-rural-substations-in-state/222969-60-115.html

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Power plants bound to feed state grid

The state government has once again invoked section 11 of the Electricity Act 2003, to ensure that power generators in the state will supply power only to the state grid, and not sell or export power outside the state.

According to an official in Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL), due to the congestion in transmission corridors, the companies cannot supply the power that they have purchased.

The state’s requirement is around 165 Million Units and there is a shortage of 1200 MW. The directive has come into effect from February 1.

The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission� is yet to decided the power supply rate for generators who do not have PPA (power purchase agreements).

But sources within the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission said this depends on the presentation made before the commission.� There may be a revision of prices later in the year, if the generators who were exporting power earlier incurred loss.

State Minister for Energy, Shobha Karandlaje said, “We have invoked section 11 from February 1. Sugar factories have promised us 350 MW till the end of summer so now, the state has 800+350MW of power.”� She added that the Udupi Power Corporation Limited had asked for 9 days time to� get environmental clearances for the thermal power plant.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/power-plants-bound-to-feed-state-grid/226728-60-119.html

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VRL Logistics To Sell Power And Cement Biz

Limited is planning to sell its wind power and cement business to strengthen its focus on core business.

In 2006, VRL Logistics commenced wind power business by setting up a wind farm of 42.5 MW at Kappatgudda, Gadag district in the State of Karnataka . The wind farm consists of 34 Wind Turbine Generators (WTGs) having individual capacity of 1.25 MW.


The company has entered into a power purchase agreement with Hescom and sells power at R3.50 per unit. According to Sankeshwar - Chairman, VRL Logistics, the company has an outstanding payment of R78Cr from the Hubli Electricity Supply Company (Hescom) and an overdue interest payment is to the order of R3Cr.

In 2010, VRL Logistics formed VRL Cements Ltd to foray into Cement business. The company had signed a MoU with Karnataka government during the global investors' meet in June 2010 to set up a 2MTPA cement plant at an investment of R954Cr.

The company is now dropping the plan of entering the cement business as it requires huge investment.

Founded by Vijay and Anand Sankeshwar, VRL Logistics is in the business of providing goods and passenger transportation services. Currently, promoters of the company hold the entire 100% stake in the company.

VRL filed for an IPO in 2010 but the plans were deferred due to unfavorable market conditions. It was also talking to New Silk Route for a R150Cr investment for acquisitions but there is development on the deal.

VRL Logistics has a total fleet strength of 2,829 vehicles and has 12,000 employees and operations spread across 911 branches covering 2,629 locations in the country. It has in total 56 branches and 515 franchisees for passenger transportation business.

http://www.dealcurry.com/2012026-VRL-Logistics-To-Sell-Power-And-Cement-Biz.htm

Decks cleared for Mysore-Kozhikode transmission line project

The Union Minister of State for Power K.C. Venugopal has said that the work of the Mysore-Kozhikode transmission line will start soon as the project got the final environment clearance from the Union Ministry of Forest and Environment.

Addressing a press conference here on Monday the Minister said that this line will help to bring power allotted from Central pool to Kerala and solve the voltage problem in Malabar area.

read more:- http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/kerala/article2865896.ece

Karnataka Renewable Energy receives plans to set up 350 MW of solar projects

Despite uncertainties surrounding the solar REC scheme, several developers have shown interest in setting up solar projects in Karnataka under the Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) Scheme, the State had announced recently.

“Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd (KREDL) has received proposals to set up 350 MW of solar projects under the REC scheme, and all of it will be allocated in a couple of months,” Mr N.S. Prasanna Kumar, told Business Line.

“We had initially called for applications for 200 MW but we have now relaxed the number and welcome more applications,” he said.

Apart from the feed-in tariff-based programme of the Karnataka Solar Policy, for encouraging developers to set up projects worth 350 MW by 2016, KREDL had recently called for applications for setting up projects for 200 MW under the REC scheme of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

Under the REC scheme, producers of renewable energy, who opt out of the preferential feed-in tariff, get tradable generation-based certificates.

The certificates could be bought by specified ‘obligated entities' - who are either specified consumers or electricity distribution companies.

Currently, the renewable purchase obligation (RPO) which directs the obligated to buy renewable energy or RECs is applicable only till 2017, and several developers have been wary of setting up projects due to this. There have also been concerns about the fact that banks don't consider RECs bankable.

However, as Business Line had reported recently, despite this, several developers were willing to set up projects under the REC scheme as they see good economics in generating solar power even if the RPOs were to be scrapped after 2017.

“The market is just opening and in future there is a big boost for solar REC,” Mr Kumar said, adding that KREDL would take efforts to promote solar RECs. http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/economy/article2866406.ece?homepage=true&ref=wl_home

NSL wins wind farm award

India News
By IANS,

Hyderabad : NSL Renewable Power Private Limited (NRPPL), part of NSL Group, has bagged the best operating wind farm award from Indian Wind Power Association (IWPA) for the third time.

The award was presented Monday during the third international wind conference and exhibition at Coimbatore, said a statement by the Hyderabad-based company.

The 28 MW Jagalur wind farm located in Karnataka had earlier won this award for 2006-07 and 2009-10.

"Winning the award for the third time, demonstrates the efficiency of NSL Renewable Power in general and its wind power vertical in particular. This adds further to our vision of wind being on par with other renewable resources by acknowledging wind energy as efficient and competitive," said Mandava Prabhakar Rao, Chairman, NSL Group.

NRPPL has about 162 MW of installed capacity in renewable energy comprising of 150 MW of wind power and two bio-mass plants of 6 MW each.

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Toshiba JSW Wins Rs. 2300 Crore Order from NTPC Limited

Toshiba JSW Turbine & Generator Pvt. Ltd., today announced that a contract has been awarded by NTPC Limited, India’s largest state-owned energy service provider, for the supply of three 800MW (3 x 800MW) supercritical steam turbine and generator island packages for the Kudgi Super Thermal Power Project, Stage-I, in Kudgi, Karnataka state. The contract value is around Rs. 2300 Crore.

Toshiba JSW has recently (February 12, 2012) inaugurated its main plant facility to manufacture mid- and large-sized turbines and generators in Manali, Chennai. The Plant was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Selvi J. Jayalalitha. The NTPC contract is the first project for which Toshiba JSW will manufacture the complete steam turbine and generator equipment at the Chennai plant. This will be done with the support of Toshiba Keihin Product Operations in Kawasaki, Japan, which will also supply some components of the turbine and generator. Delivery of the equipment is expected to start in 2013.

read more:- http://www.moneylife.in/business-wire-news/toshiba-jsw-wins-rs-2300-crore-order-from-ntpc-limited/30211.html

State to fast-track thermal power projects

With a view to meeting the deficit in power supply, the State Government has decided to fast-track the implementation of four thermal power projects and has urged the Centre to facilitate coal linkage to them.

The projects to be implemented expeditiously are two units of 800 MW capacity each at the Yermarus Thermal Power Station, for which the coal requirement is 11 MTPA (million tonnes per annum); Yedlapur Thermal Power Station, 800 MW (5.5 MTPA); Bellary Thermal Power Station Unit-III, 700 MW (4.8 MTPA) and Godhna Thermal Power project, Chhattisgarh, 2 x 800 MW (11 MTPA), all of which require allotment of coal linkage or coal block.

These thermal power projects, taken up for implementation by the Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd., are in advanced stages of implementation and urgently require coal linkage.

Memorandum

This was conveyed in a memorandum presented by Minister for Energy Shobha Karandlaje to the Union Minister for Power Sushilkumar Shinde in New Delhi on Wednesday, a copy of which was made available to The Hindu.

In view of the Power Company of Karnataka Ltd. (PCKL) initiating the bidding process for the development of two power projects of 1,320 MW capacity each in Gulbarga and at Ghataprabha, Gokak taluk, Belgaum district, coal linkage to these projects has been requested for implementation on priority.http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article2930790.ece

Wind to energise investments in Gadag

HUBLI: Money is blowing in the winds of Gadag. Read on to know how to catch it. The region - prone to natural calamities like drought and floods - is a suitable location for setting up wind mills.

In fact, according to the data available with Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL), roughly 19,347 mw power could be generated through renewable energy sources - and wind energy can contribute around 60 per cent of it.

On one hand, the district has received third highest capacity allocation for power generation through wind mills, on the other hand it has the highest percentage of installed capacity in the state. However, the potential needs to be tapped optimally and KREDL - the nodal agency to promote investments in green energy - is trying to bridge the demand-supply gulf in the energy-starved state.

Karnataka ranks fourth in wind power generation in the country, according to Union ministry of new and renewable energy data. It can generate 12,805 mw wills 600 wind farms. Of this, Gadag contributes around 1,067 mw through 57 wind farms. Although, the proportion of allocated capacity (power that can be generated) versus actual power generated is very poor across the state.

The state managed to generate only 1,930 mw in 2010 which is roughly 15 per cent of its allocated capacity. But Gadag, managed to generate power at 40 percent of its installed capacity of 422 mw with its 26 wind farms. With another 31 wind farms, KREDL officials expect to achieve its total allocation target.

WHEREVER THE WIND TAKES

Gadag has a geographical advantage over other districts to attract investments in this sector. Wind farms can function optimally at places with strong wind speeds. Gadag is situated at 659.8 metre above sea level where wind speed remains in the range of 6.4-7 metre per second, according to meteorological department. KREDL has also approved the wind velocity as suitable for wind power generation in the district.

Gadag has the distinct privilege to get the first wind turbine in the state in 1996, which was installed by NEPC India Ltd at Kappattagudda, near Nagavi village. Now, over 600 turbines have been installed by Enercon India Limited, Suzlon Energy Limited, Bhoruka Power Corporation Limited and some other companies.

KREDL managing director NS Prasanna Kumar told ET that varying temperature in region creates variation in air pressure, which is an important factor for wind generation. In addition to geography, the other parameter that establishes a location as suitable for wind mills is the elevation. High wind speed, important to harness power, is found in locations at higher elevations. The mountains in the district serve as a principle location for great wind power production.

Five major companies - Enercon India, Suzlon Energy, Bhorukar Power Corporation, JNI Investments & Trading and Tejasri Developers - were asked to meet 75 percent of allocated capacity of the district.

Until now, Suzlon Energy has commissioned units with an installed 125 mw out of 185 mw allotted to it. Enercon India has commissioned 186 mw out of 315 mw allotted, according to KREDL records. On the other hand, Subhash Projects & Marketing Limited (21 mw) and VRL Logistics Limited (42.5 mw) have almost installed the capacity allocated to them.

Mr Kumar of KREDL, which monitors every wind farm, informed that out of 57 licenced farms in the district 26 have been commissioned to their full or partial capacity. Rest are at various stages of completion. He expects that the entire allocated capacity would be commissioned in the next few years.

AIR SUPPLY

Gadag's geographical advantage has pulled in many investments. S Chandrashekhar, Managing Director, Bhoruka Power Corporation said, the company chose Gadag, as the wind energy potential is one of the highest here, followed by Chitradurga and Belgaum. The company proposes to commission 26 mw wind farms in Gadag by March 2012. It has proposed to add close to 250 mw through wind power by 2013 out of which 102 mw will come from Gadag. The projects will be commissioned in phases, he added.

Senior Suzlon officials, who did not wish to be named said, the present installed capacity of company-run wind mills in Gadag is 167 mw and certainly plans for capacity expansion and taking up power generation by 200 mw annually. "Gadag will contribute a lion's share.

AIR TURBULENCE

With a good geographical advantage the hurdles for investments can be addressed by the government. There are incessant furor over land acquisition that impede the development of the sector.

On the other hand, companies view project execution as an uphill task due to requirement of multiple approvals from different departments and ministries. They want a single window system.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/emerging-businesses/regional-hubs/south/wind-to-energise-investments-in-gadag/articleshow/12019632.cms?curpg=2

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Work on Kudgi plant from March 27

General manager of National Thermal Power Corporation Samant has said that the work on the first phase of the 4,000-MW thermal power plant at Kudgi village in Basavanabagewadi taluk of the district will begin on March 27.

The project will be implemented in two phases.

The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article2956203.ece)

Coal synchronisation at BTPS unit may start on March 20 (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/article2959291.ece)

Coal synchronisation at the unit II of the Bellary Thermal Power Station is likely to start on March 20 as the Union Coal Ministry is expected to supply coal by then, Minister for Energy Shobha Karandlaje has said.

Ms. Karandlaje told The Hindu that the process was expected to start on February 25. She said it would take about three to four months to get quality energy from the unit after the beginning of the coal synchronisation. She said that the Government had convinced the Union Power Ministry about the urgent requirement of coal for the Bellary unit as it had already started oil synchronisation and could not afford to discontinue it.

Ms. Karandlaje said a meeting to discuss the power requirements in the next couple of months was held recently in the backdrop of the peak load reaching 8,218 MW on Friday .

With the eighth unit at the Raichur Thermal Power Station expected to resume power generation in a day or two, the situation would improve, she said.

Ms. Karandlaje said all the power projects were functioning well and added that there would not be any power shutdown .

She also said that the water-levels in the hydel reservoirs were satisfactory and there was no cause for concern.

BHEL commissions 13 MW of solar power plants

State-owned BHEL has commissioned 13 MW of solar power plants in various parts of the country so far this fiscal.

The projects are: three MW grid connected plant in Karnataka, five MW plant in Rajasthan, two plants of two MW each in Maharashtra and over one MW in Lakshadweep Islands. BHEL commissioned the plant at Yapaldinni Village near Raichur for the Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd (KPCL).

The five MW plant for Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) at Rawra Village near Phalodi, Rajasthan was commissioned under the NVVN programme of Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM).

Two more PV power plants of two MW each were commissioned at Katol near Nagpur for Sepset Constructions Ltd. and Citra Real Estate Ltd. These projects are commissioned under Roof-top PV and Small Solar Power Generation Programme (RPSSGP) of IREDA under JNNSM.

In Lakshadweep, BHEL is executing a 1.9 MW order from Lakshadweep Administration for augmentation and modernization of existing solar power plants at various islands, of which 1.1 MW has been commissioned.

Additionally, BHEL is executing solar power plant projects of 7.5-MW for various customers and they are in the final stages of commissioning.http://profit.ndtv.com/News/Article/bhel-commissions-13-mw-of-solar-power-plants-299064

Sathavahana Ispat commissions 50 MW power project in Karnataka

Sathavahana Ispat Ltd has commissioned on March 08, 2012 the CFBC Boiler in the Power plant situated at Kudithini Village, Korugodu Road, Bellary District, Karnataka, whereby the power generation installed capacity now stands increased to 50 MW.

No Kaiga units V and VI without health surveys (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/no-kaiga-units-v-and-vi-without-health-surveys/236930-60-115.html)

KARWAR: Scientists, environmentalists and officials of the Kaiga Nuclear Power Generating Station held a meeting on Tuesday to discuss the impact of Kaiga project on the people and the environment. The meeting which was organised at Yellapur by Zilla Samrakshana Samiti resolved to urge the Centre not to take up the construction of fifth and sixth units at Kaiga, unless the agencies appointed by the government and the National Medical Association conducted an independent health survey in the villages neighbouring the Kaiga project.
The meeting was presided over by the seer of Sonda Swarnavalli Mutt Gangadharendra Saraswati Swamiji, site director of Kaiga project J P Gupta, scientists and other project technicians.
While Kaiga officials claimed that there was no radiation from Kaiga, others pointed out the report on increasing cases of cancer and other diseases in the vicinity. J P Gupta said that the Tata Memorial Institute and Manipal KMC Hospital had been nominated by the government to conduct health studies which they have already commenced.
The Kaiga authorities were urged at the meeting to form a citizen’s review committee under the chairmanship of the deputy commissioner to ensure public safety, as suggested by the Swamiji. They� also disclosed the ways of disposing nuclear waste. On steps for relief to villagers suffering from cancer, Kaiga authorities said it should be decided by the government.
Minister Anand Asnotikar and Western Ghats Task Force chairman Ananth Hegde Ashisara too spoke.

Karnataka power dept seeks Rs 4,500 crore subsidy

Karnataka Minister for Power Shobha Karandlaje today said she has souoght Rs 4,500 crore subsidy to the department to tide over the present power crisis. The state was borrowing power from outside to meet the demand and required 1,100 MW to overcome the present shortage, she told reporters here. The government was according more priority to power production rather than purchase, Karandlaje said. Earlier, the Minister inaugurated two 110 KV stations, one each at Almel and Bableshwar in the district. http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/karnataka-power-dept-seeks-rs-4500-crore-subsidy/973078.html

German firm Enercon keen to set up 500 MW wind farm in Karnataka

German company Enercon has expressed interest in putting up a 500-MW wind farm in Karnataka.

Confirming this to Business Line, Mr N.S. Prasanna Kumar, Managing Director, Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd (KREDL), said that the State, however, might not be in a position to allow the company to put such a large project.

Enercon is the world's fourth largest wind turbine manufacturer.

In India, however, the company has been facing some headwinds because the German company believes that its Indian partner has stolen its technology. The Germans went to the Indian courts, but lost.

“They have applied for 500 MW but we might allot about 200 MW,” Mr Kumar said. He said that it would be “a problem” if such large projects were allotted but the projects could not be commissioned.

“Suzlon, for instance, has currently occupied about 3,000 MW only 10 per cent of which has been commissioned,” he said. In this context, he added that an upper limit and a time limit would be placed on companies proposing to set up green power projects in the State.

Winners to be announced

Meanwhile, the winners of the tender for developing solar projects under the Karnataka Solar Mission are expected to be announced in a week.

“The technical bids will be announced in about five days,” Mr Prasanna Kumar said. He said that three of the companies which had bid for the tender have been involved in some enquiry by KREDL and that the final list would be announced once KREDL receives responses from them.

“We have given the companies three days to respond and we expect a response by the weekend,” he said, but declined to disclose what the enquiry was about.

Under the Karnataka Solar Mission, the State had announced that it was targeting 350 MW of solar projects by 2016.

As part of this, KREDL had floated a tender for setting up projects with a total capacity of 80 MW.

The development comes about three months the bids closed on November last year. Twenty two companies had applied for setting up projects. Though the bids closed on November 24, the bid documents weren't opened immediately as the tendering process for the National Solar Mission was on and KREDL wanted to wait for those to close before the allocation of projects under the State solar policy was made.

Meanwhile, in December, the State Energy Department had placed stay on the tender process for developing the projects after few developers had filed a case stating that KREDL should have followed e-tendering procedure for the bidding process for companies to participate in the tender, and that the amount bidders had to pay as security/MW – Rs 20 lakh - was too high for small developers. http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/economy/article2988390.ece?homepage=true&ref=wl_home

Hydro-power projects worth Rs 1,700 cr caught in green net

It is not only the mining sector that will get affected by the report of Western Ghat Environment Panel. Hydro-power projects in the region stretching across five states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and the union territory of Goa may also see red.

According to officials, the Environment ministry’s panel recommended that the government should not give a go-ahead to at least two proposed hydel power projects in Karnataka and Kerala, together worth over Rs 1,700 crore.

The Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP), set up by the environment ministry last year to assess the current status of ecology of the Western Ghats region has reportedly said that the Gundia Hydro Electric Project (GHEP) should not be executed. The panel had submitted its observations some months ago but the Environment Ministry is yet to make the report public.

The Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) and the Kerala State Electricity Board proposed the projects.

KPCL had proposed a hydropower project on the Gundia river basin of Hassan and Dakshina Kannada districts to generate 200 MW of power. The total project cost was estimated to be around Rs 1,050 crore.

The panel said that the hydroelectric project at Gundia river basin would be ecologically and economically unviable, as it would weaken the food and water security of the region apart from enhancing human–wildlife conflicts, the panel said.

Another venture to be hit is the 163 MW Athirapally hydroelectric power project in Kerala.

The WGEEP is understood to have recommended that the Athirapilly area should be protected as such and the permission for the proposed hydroelectric project at Athirappilly should not be given.

The project is a state government initiative. It is estimated to have a capital outlay of Rs 650 crore on completion. The proposal was mooted by the Kerala State Electricity Board.

According to Dr Latha Anantha, Director of River Research Centre (Kerala) “Both the project should not be granted Environmental Clearance by the Ministry. The region around the Athirapally project is biodiversity rich. The unique riverine ecosystem is not seen in other areas in the state. Moreover, both the projects fall under the ecologically sensitive zone one, where no industrial activity is allowed.”

Besides the hydro-power projects, two drinking water dam projects in Maharastra, which were proposed by the state government, may also feel the heat. The projects include- Kallu and Shai - drinking water dam in Maharastra.http://business-standard.com/india/news/hydro-power-projects-worth-rs-1700-cr-caught-in-green-net/160487/on

India’s Karnataka to Announce Solar Auction Winners by Next Week

India’s Karnataka state will announce the results of its first auction to award contracts to build solar power plants by next week, a government official said.

The Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd., the state- run agency overseeing the auction, is awaiting clarifications from three of the bidders before it announces the winner, Managing Director N.S. Prasanna Kumar said in an interview in Chennai. They have until this weekend to respond, he said.

Companies including Tata Power, Welspun Group, Kiran Energy Solar Power Pvt. and Jindal Aluminium Ltd. bid for 50 megawatts of photovoltaic capacity, according to KREDL. Bidders for 30 megawatts of solar-thermal projects were Sunborne Energy LLC, backed by billionaire Vinod Khosla, and Atria Power Corp.

The bids were submitted in December. KREDL delayed opening them due to a legal snag after the agency broke a rule requiring government bodies to award contracts through an online procurement system.

Solar-thermal projects use sunlight to heat liquids that produce steam for generators; photovoltaic plants use panels to turn sunlight directly into power.

To contact the reporter on this story: Ganesh Nagarajan in Chennai at gnagarajan1@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Reed Landberg at landberg@bloomberg.net http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-03-13/india-s-karnataka-state-to-announce-solar-auction-contracts-by-next-week

Bangalore, Mar 14,2012, DHNS:

The High Court has directed the petitioners to file a report regarding the impact on wildlife, if one of the mini-hydel power projects is allowed to continue at Kencha*nk*umari and Yedakkumari reserve forests of the Western Ghats.

Hearing a petition by Prashanth Yavagal and Western Ghats Environmental Forum, the Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Vikramajit Sen and Justice B V Nagarathna continued the status quo order in connection with establishing the plant by the respondent power company - Maruthi Powergen Private Limited - and directed the Union Ministry for Environment and Forests (MoEF) and Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited to jointly conduct a spot inspection of the alleged deviation found by the MoEF authorities recently.

The Bench has also directed the power firm to furnish the clearance obtained by the company from the Railways in connection with the construction of the tunnel which passes under a railway line.

During the hearing, the petitioners submitted that the company was setting up two power plants of 48 megawatts with a single permission and that any project exceeding 25 megawatt requires a clearence from MoEF. The petitioners listed several violations by the company.

When the company stated that there is no wildlife in the forest, the petitioners said the report is by an individual - a forest officer. The petitioners submitted that the State Wildlife Board had found several rare endangered and endemic flora and fauna.

The Chief Justice questioned the government counsel about the number of conservators in the department and whether they are transferable. Counsel R G Kolle promised to communicate the matter to the State government.

DHNS (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/234523/hydel-projects-hc-seeks-report.html)

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Performance test of BTPS unit

The process of coal synchronisation of the second 500-MW unit at the Bellary Thermal Power Station (BTPS), near Kuditini, 25 km from here, will commence shortly.

“After successful oil synchronisation in January, the next step will be taken now. The process of coal-filling has begun, and power generation is expected to begin from Sunday.

It will be gradually increased to touch the capacity of 500 MW by March 25,” B. Rathnamma, executive director, BTPS, told The Hindu.

Ms. Rathnamma said that the process would help test the unit's performance and the carrying capacity of the existing high-tension power lines.

Purpose

“The healthiness of the unit and the power evacuating infrastructure are put to test and any faults noticed during the process of synchronisation will be set right before commencing regular power generation,” she said. According to her, after conducting the tests, the unit would be shut down to complete other pending tasks. “By July, the unit is likely to start generating power on a regular basis,” she said.

Coal linkage

According to sources, the second unit was yet to get coal linkage, giving room for doubts over power generation.

Get SMS, mail on power outage

Mysore, Mar 19, 2012, DHNS :
Prepaid meters to be introduced on a pilot basis in the region
Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (Cesc) is planning to collect details such as mobile numbers and e-mail IDs from at least five houses connected to a feeder with the intention of alerting them about unscheduled power cuts, said its managing director P Bore Gowda.

He was speaking at the interaction organised by Mysore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) at the Institution of Engineers here on Monday.

Bore Gowda mentioned that using available technology, Cesc would send SMS and e-mails to the residents if it planned to resort to power cuts. Citing the need for such a facility, he said that recently even though there were power cuts for one hour each day, he had been kept in the dark about the issue.

Subsequently based on complaints from people he had taken measures to rectify the issue. Using SMS and e-mails would help people get prior information about the power cuts, he added.

He also mentioned that Rs 100 crore funds allocated under the Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (RAPDRP), Cesc was emphasising on replacement of old transformers and improving the quality of power.

Also with the intention of reducing transmission and distribution losses, 600 poles have been ordered.

Prepaid meters

Responding to a query, he said a pilot project on prepaid meters would be implemented in the region. There are several sparsely populated areas especially in Kodagu for whom the prepaid metres would be a boon, he added.

He said a meeting of bankers would be called soon, so that based on the RR numbers, bank accounts could be linked. With this mechanism, people wouldn’t need to visit Cesc centres to pay their bills.

At the end of the month, based on the bill generated, the bank would cut the bill amount from the account. Also all domestic meters is being replaced with static meters by Cesc, he added.

Discussing about the power generation, he said Cesc is ready to buy power from rooftop generation in houses at Rs 2.73 per unit. He said it would help in reducing shortage of power.

MCCI president Sudhakar Shetty, KASSIA general secretary Sureshkumar Jain, Chamber of Commerce president Ravindraprabhu, Deveraja Market Association president Mahadevappa and others were present.

Subrahmanya GP to make watts from waste

Mangalore, Mar 19, 2012, DHNS :
Produced power can illuminate 150 streetlights and lift water
If everything goes as per the plan, then Subrahmanya Gram Panchayat will start generating electricity using degradable waste from April end.

Electricity is a biggest problem in most of the rural areas. The villagers face lot of problem due to frequent failure of power. Vagaries of monsoon leave several rural villages without power for days together. Apart from this, the Gram Panchayats have to earmark 40 per cent of their fund for paying the electricity bill. Hence to empower the Gram Panchayats, Zilla Panchayat has chalked out plan to start generating electricity from waste in Subrahmanya. Based on the success of this project, the Zilla Panchayat will expand the plan to other gram panchayats.

“The unit for generating electricity is under construction. The unit is being installed at a cost of Rs 35 lakh. It can use 300 kg waste daily. The bio gas generated from the unit can be converted into electricity using generator and converter. It can generate 15kv electricity daily,” Zilla Panchayat CEO Dr K N Vijayaprakash said Deccan Herald.

The generated electricity can light 150 streetlights in four main roads of the village. It can also be used for pumping water during day time. Slurry can be converted into manure, he added.

He said “majority of the funds received by the Gram Panchayat is used for paying the electricity bill and the salary of the Gram Panchayat employees. Once the unit starts functioning, the Gram Panchayat can save Rs 35 lakh within five years.”

He said “the funds available with the gram panchayat, Nirmal Gram Puraskar can be utilised for the bio gas unit. The union government also provides subsidy for unconventional sources of energy. In fact, over 10 lakh devotees visit Subrahmanya every month. If the Deputy Commissioner confirms the number of devotees, then the Energy department will provide Rs 15 lakh for the unit.”

“The solid waste management unit is getting ready near Subrahmanya temple at the cost of Rs 20 lakh. The unit will be inaugurated in April. The Gram Panchayat gets annual grant of Rs eight lakh for electricity. With the completion of the unit, we can solve the problems related to electricity to some extent. The unit will also provide employment to 12 persons. Plastic wastes will be segregated from the remaining waste collected in the Gram Panchayat jurisdiction,” said Subrahmanya Gram Panchayat President Bhaskar Poojary.

Bio gas

The SC/ST hostel in Bajpe uses bio gas for preparing meals using the biodegradable waste. The hostel has 35 students. With three kg waste, bio gas is produced which can be used for two hours in a day. Similar, bio gas plants will be set up at Baddandadka school, Halepete school in Ujire, Laila Karnori Anganwadi, Somrnadu anganwadi in Panjikallu Gram Panchayat, Daddalakadur anganwadi.

“There is a need to encourage students to take up alternative sources of energy. If schools have such units, then students will be motivated and encouraged to set up similar units at home,” said CEO.

Anisha Sheth

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00962/21MN_PAGE3_PROJECT__962378f.jpg
NO CLARITY: The site of the Sahasralingeshwara Power Private Limited across the Kumaradhara river near Uppinangady in Dakshina Kannada district. Photo: Anisha Sheth

People in the vicinity of the project site uncertain about their future

A large number of farmers in Hirebandady and 34 Nekkilady villages in Puttur taluk are opposing the construction of a mini-hydel power project across the Kumaradhara alleging that they were being kept in the dark about the project.

The Sahasralingeshwara Power Private Limited is a mini-hydel project with an installed capacity of 12.5 MW. It provides for building a 4.5-metre high weir across the river. Half of the 700-metre long weir falls within the purview of Hirebandady Gram Panchayat and the other half in 34 Nekkilady Gram Panchayat limits. The Department of Energy gave clearance for the project in October 2007 and it is expected to go on stream in May 2014.

Manjunath Bhat's four-acre areca farm in 34 Nekkilady village is right across the site where the proposed power project will come up. He and his wife Sarojini, both in their late forties, are anxious about their future. Ms. Sarojini said: "Where will we go at this age?"

Mr. Bhat said the company had not come forward to give farmers any information about the project, an attitude which has added to their anger. Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha district unit president Roopesh Rai alleged that there was no information about the land that would be submerged by the project.

General Manager (Construction) A.V. Shivashankar told The Hindu that it was a 'run-of-the-river' project and did not require storage of water. He said that usually there would be a 'little submersion'. He said the company required around 50 acres of land and most of it had been purchased.

However, Mr. Rai said that around 140 families living 3 km upstream of the weir on both sides of the river would be affected by the stagnating water and submersion. These areas include Darbe, Bellipady, Nekkilady, and Hirebandady areas.
Permission

The two gram panchayats had deferred giving their permission for blasting operations stating that they had no information about the project and that the people of the village were opposed to it. Vice-president of the 34 Nekkilady Gram Panchayat Asghar Ali said the panchayat had not given permission to the company to begin construction. Permission from the panchayat became mandatory after the 73 amendment to the Constitution, he said.

Similarly, Hirebandady Gram Panchayat had demanded that the company furnish information on how much land was required, the area to be submerged, the kind of problems that the people of the village would face and so on, before it considered giving permission to the company.

However, Mr. Shivashankar said the company had all the local permissions. When asked about the rate of compensation, he said that he was not the right person to speak about it but claimed that it was far higher than the current market rate.

The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mangalore/article3024247.ece)

Press Trust of India, Updated: March 21, 2012 18:46 IST

Bangalore: A green energy fund to encourage rooftop grid connected solar projects would be set up in Karnataka by levying a surcharge of five paise per unit on industrial and commercial consumers, Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda said today.

"The surcharge will be complemented by support of Rs 25 crore from the State Budget during 2012-13", he said in the 2012-13 budget presented in the Legislative Assembly. "The resources available in the Fund will be utilised to encourage rooftop grid connected solar projects".

Good progress has been achieved in promoting renewable energy with addition of 441 MW in 2011-12 itself, he added.

Total outlay of Rs 10,289 crore for the energy sector during 2012-13 is envisaged in the Budget.

In spite of the state's best efforts in establishing new generation capacity, the major constraints faced by the government are in getting the required coal linkages and environmental clearances for its plants from the Centre.

"The matter has been taken up time and again with the Central government but nothing much has been received except advice and wait", the Chief Minister said.

NDTV (http://www.ndtv.com/article/karnataka/karnataka-to-set-up-green-energy-fund-188568)

Karnataka scouts for gas, to set up LNG terminal

The Karnataka government is looking at entering into preliminary agreements with gas suppliers for its proposed 2,800 Mw of gas-based power generation capacities at the upcoming investors' meet in June.

To meet its gas demand, the state government will invite companies to set up liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal. The government has also identified land for the project. “Land has been identified at Tadadi in north of Mangalore for the LNG terminal. The terminal can begin with a capacity of 2.5 million tonnes (mt) and expanded later,” said D N Narasimha Raju, principal secretary, department of energy, Karnataka. He was speaking at the sidelines of the 7th Asia Gas Partnership Summit here.

M Naveen Kumar, managing director, Power Company of Karnataka Ltd, said, “We are looking at signing MoU (memorandum of understanding) with gas suppliers during the investors meet.” He said the state government proposes four gas-based power plants of 700 Mw each at Belgaum, Gadag, Davangere and Tumkur, under Case 2 competitive bidding routes, along the upcoming 800-km Dabhol-Bangalore gas pipeline being built by GAIL.

Under Case 2 route, land, water and other facilities are arranged by the government and the project is bid out to a private player through a process of tariff competitive bidding.

“The projects will be finalised depending on the procuring price of natural gas,” he said, adding the ideal price the state government is looking at is $8 per mBtu for developing these projects.

Kumar said the state government has already contracted for off-taking gas from the Dabhol-Bangalore pipeline for a 700 Mw plant at Bidadi, which will be imported in the form of liquefied natural gas at the Dabhol terminal.

The Karnataka cabinet had last year approved sourcing LNG from the spot market to encash on the price advantage it enjoys over long-term contracts.http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/karnataka-scouts-for-gas-to-setlng-terminal/468937/

GAIL signs pact with ITPL Bangalore for Natural Gas transmission (http://www.equitybulls.com/admin/news2006/news_det.asp?id=102622)

GAIL (India) Limited has signed a Gas Transmission Agreement (GTA) with Information Technology Park Ltd (ITPL), Bangalore yesterday for supply around 60,000 SCMD of natural gas. ITPL is likely to start consumption of natural gas early next year in their upcoming captive power plant with waste heat recovery for air conditioning. They are likely to shift their entire power requirement on gas based Co-generation for Cooling and Power.

The gas will be supplied to ITPL from the Dabhol-Bangalore Pipeline being set up by GAIL (India) Limited at an investment of around Rs.3500 crores. The pipeline will connect the Dabhol-LNG Terminal, operated by RGPPL to gas consumption centers in Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka. The Dabhol terminal is being commissioned and the pipeline upto Bangalore is expected to be commissioned by August of this year.

ITPL, Bangalore which is the flagship IT office space provider in Bangalore jointly promoted by Government of Singapore and Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB). There are more than 25,000 professionals working out of its facilities in Whitefield, Bangalore.

GAIL has also signed contracts with industrial customers such as Toyota Kirloskar Autoparts and H&R Johnson located in districts adjoining Bangalore. Hindalco, Belgaum and Murudeshwar Ceramics, Hubli are other customers who will draw natural gas from GAIL's pipeline.

Natural Gas is green guel which offers clean energy which is cheaper than conventional fuels. Since natural gas would be delivered by GAIL at the customers door step, the customers would have the convenience of not having to plan fuel supplies or having to store or pre-treat the fuel before use. Natural gas has transformed the industrial and commercial landscape in the cities such as Delhi and Mumbai and it is expected to make a significant difference in Bangalore too.

The Gail (India) Ltd stock was trading at Rs.363.10, down by Rs.2.05 or 0.56%. The stock hit an intraday high of Rs.370 and low of Rs.361.

The total traded quantity was 0.10 lakhs compared to 2 week average of 0.75 lakhs.

Kudgi project to be ready in next 3 yrs

The state-owned power producer National Thermal Power Corporation(NTPC) will set up stage I (3x800 MW) of its proposed Kudgi Super Thermal Power Project in Bijapur district in 36 to 40 months, said Union Power Minister Sushilkumar Shinde.

He told Deccan Herald that all work related to the project are finished. Land levelling and construction of a boundary wall is taking place at the site in Kudgi village. The company has had talks with railway board officials over the installation of a new railway line for transportation of coal to the Plant, he said.

The company will provide over 3,000 jobs and the coal requirement will be met from NTPC’s own mine from Jharkhand. NTPC Ltd recently said that it has received clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) for the first stage of the project and the company board has also approved the investment of Rs 15,166 crore.

The total installed capacity of the project will be 4000 MW and in the first stage, will be 2,400 MW.

On complaints by the Karnataka Government for not allocating the unallocated power from the central grid, the minister said that it would be done depending on the requirement of energy in each state. Dismissing the allegations that the step- motherly treatment meted out towards the state by the Centre in allocation of power from central grid, the minister said the power situation in Karnataka was much better than many neighbouring states, where the crisis is worse.

On specific complaint by the Karnataka government against the Centre for not allocating power from the recently commissioned Jajjar Power Plant in Haryana, the minister said he will seek details from the officials about this particular case.

Karnataka Energy Minister Shobha Karndlaje complained that the Centre has not allocated power from the Jajjar Project to the state, while neighbouring Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh have got around 100 to 150 MW of power recently.

Agreement

On the issue of not getting the coal linkage to some of the proposed thermal power project in Karnataka, the minister said that the Coal India Limited (CIL) is likely to sign fuel supply agreement the power generating companies which have commissioned on or before December 31, 2011 soon. For rest of the projects which are in the pipeline, the companies have to apply for coal to the CIL as per its new fuel supply norms.http://www.deccanherald.com/content/238855/kudgi-project-ready-next-3.html

Mangalore Electricity Supply Company (Mescom) has initiated a project to explore the possibility of reducing power consumption by using energy-efficient irrigation pumpsets.

Speaking to The Hindu , Managing Director of Mescom Vijay Narasimha said that the company was the first to initiate a project of such kind.

He said the objective was to replace irrigation pumpsets being used with energy-efficient ones through private participation.

Mr. Narasimha said a private company would install energy-efficient irrigation pumpsets.

The cost of the power thus saved would be considered as savings and divided by Mescom and the private company according to a pre-defined ratio.

If for instance, the new pumpsets saved 40 units of power and the cost of each unit was Rs. 5, Mescom and the private company would divide the saved cost of Rs. 200 between them depending on the sharing ratio.

To determine whether this scheme was feasible, Mescom had installed electronic meters at two feeders - Kabaka in Puttur taluk and Manai in Udupi district - to gather data. The data collected through these meters would indicate the amount of power consumption, usage patterns and other information which would enable engineers to ascertain the technical feasibility of the project, Mr. Narasimha said.

Analysis of data

Mescom proposed to analyse the data gathered over six months - data collection began last December - and then approach business firms to determine their interest.

"There were a lot of takers initially for the Bachat Lamp Yojana, but interest died out when tenders were floated," Mr. Narasimha said and added that the company would approach firms to determine their response and ascertain the pros and cons of the project.

If the companies asked for more data, then the company would continue the data collection for another six months, Mr. Narasimha said.

Installation of meters and data gathering itself would not cost much, he added.

Private company to install energy-efficient irrigation pumpsets

The cost of power saved to be divided by Mescom and the company

The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mangalore/article3290585.ece)

http://www.freeimagehosting.net/t/z37kc.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/z37kc)
-- Udayavani

10 firms to set up solar projects in 6 months

Karnataka Solar Mission
BANGALORE, APRIL 20:
A total of 10 companies plan to set up solar projects in the State under the Karnataka Solar Mission over the next six months.

Of these, eight companies plan to set up solar photovoltaic projects for 60 MW, while two will set up solar thermal projects of 10 MW each.

“Most projects will come up in North Karnataka,” Mr N.S. Prasanna Kumar, Managing Director of Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd (KREDL), told Business Line. “KREDL will help in giving out government land on lease to companies that don't have their own land,” he added.

Twenty-two companies had participated in the tender for setting up 80-MW solar thermal and solar photovoltaic projects called for by KREDL, the State nodal agency for promoting renewable energy. This was as part of Karnataka Solar Mission targeting 350 MW of solar projects by 2016. “The next round of tenders will be floated soon after the financial closure for all these projects is achieved. It could be about six months from now,” Mr Kumar said.

The projects are allocated under ‘reverse bidding' process where projects will be allocated to bidders who have quoted the steepest discounts to the tariff of Rs 14.50 fixed by KREDL.

For photovoltaic plants, Helena Power Private Ltd and Jindal Aluminium Ltd have offered the highest discounts of 656 and 625 paise per unit and have been allotted 10 MW capacity each.

Sunborne Energy Services India and Atria Power Corporation will be setting up solar thermal plants, offering discounts of 41 and 3 paise per unit, respectively.

DELAY IN BIDS

The announcement of winners of the technical bids comes after a delay – almost three months after the bids for the projects closed on November 24, 2011. The delay in opening the bid documents was because the bidding process for the second batch of projects under the National Solar Mission was on.

KREDL has said that the allocations for the State policy would be made only after the National Solar Mission bids were closed. Meanwhile, following complaints by small time developers, the State Energy Department had issued a stay order on the process, which caused further delay.

Welspun, Sunborne Win Indian Solar Project Contracts (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-04-21/welspun-sunborne-win-indian-solar-project-contracts.html)

Welspun Group, India’s largest solar photovoltaic developer, and Sunborne Energy Holdings LLC, backed by billionaire Vinod Khosla, won contracts to build sun- powered plants in the nation’s Karnataka state.
The lowest bid in the auction for 10 contracts by the Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd. came from Helena Power Pvt., which committed to sell photovoltaic-based electricity to the state-run utility at 7,940 rupees ($152) per megawatt-hour. That’s about double the wholesale price of coal- based power.
“We may tender another 120 megawatts of capacity in the next financial year,” N.S. Prasanna Kumar, managing director of state-run KREDL, said in an interview in Gandhinagar, India today.
India is using auctions to push down average solar power rates, which have fallen 38 percent since December 2010, as it seeks to avoid the surging renewable-energy subsidies seen in Europe. Global solar power prices are also plunging as equipment costs decline after the spot price of solar panels dropped 47 percent in the past year, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance.
Global solar power prices are plunging because of declining equipment costs after the spot price of solar panels dropped in the past year as manufacturers ramped up production, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance.
Welspun, which is backed by Apollo Global Management LLC (APO) co-founder Leon Black, won a 7-megawatt photovoltaic project and Sunborne won a 10-megawatt solar-thermal project, which harnesses sunlight to heat liquids that produce steam for generators; photovoltaic plants use panels to turn sunlight directly into power.
Technology Splits
KREDL awarded 60 megawatts of photovoltaic capacity and 20 megawatts of solar-thermal capacity. The next auction may cover 70 megawatts of photovoltaic and 50 megawatts of solar-thermal capacity, Kumar said.
Other winners included Jindal Aluminium Ltd., Essel Infrastructure Ltd., GKC Project Ltd., United Telecoms Ltd., Sai Sudhi Energy Ltd. and Atria Power Corp., according to a list from KREDL.

T&D losses down to 19 p.c.: Hescom (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article3366298.ece)

The Hubli Electricity Supply Company (Hescom) has succeeded in bringing transmission and distribution losses down to 19 per cent from 30 per cent. It has set a target of bringing it down by another 2 or 3 per cent this year, Hescom Managing Director Pankaj Kumar Pandey has said.

Taking part in an interaction programme organised by the Karnatak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) here on Saturday, Mr. Pandey said that consumers too should avoid wasting power by following power saving tips.

He appealed to industrialists to install certain equipment that help save energy.

Grievance rederessal

Referring to customer-friendly steps that Hescom had planned to introduce, he said that a Customers' Grievance Rederessal Cell would be set up shortly.

Customers would get a registration number through SMS upon registering their complaint. Similarly, Hescom would introduce ECS system shortly so that payments could be made online.

Mr. Pandey assured that Hescom would take steps to replace old and outdated poles and transformers with new ones.

The meeting was organised to discuss various issues such as tariff hike and load-shedding.

KCCI president N.P. Javali, office-bearers M. H. Ladhad, A.V. Sajjanar, C.N. Karikatti, Hescom Chief Engineer, participated.


Online payments :cheers:

Rs 4,000-cr solar park planned in Bijapur district

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/multimedia/dynamic/01073/solarpanels_1073491f.jpg
Business Line Small capacities: A view of solar panels at a building in Bangalore. — Photo: G.R.N. Somashekar
BANGALORE, MAY 4:
The State Government is planning a 4,000-acre solar park in Bijapur district.

The solar park, which will come up in Mannur, will be similar to the solar farm at Charanka in Gujarat.

The Government has set a target of 18 months to complete the solar farm and will start with small capacities of 80-100 MW, and gradually increase capacity, Mr N.S. Prasanna Kumar, Managing Director of Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd (KREDL), told Business Line.

“The idea of having a solar park is to see that private players will be facilitated in implementation of projects – basic infrastructure like power evacuation support, water and roads will be provided,” Mr Kumar said.

He, however, declined to reveal the investment the Government was going to make.

PRIVATE DEVELOPERS

KREDL is the state nodal agency for promoting renewable energy in the State, and will be involved in allotting projects at the park and facilitate implementation of projects.

Most projects that will come up there would be of private developers, Mr Kumar said, adding that the park would only have solar photovoltaic projects.

KREDL recently announced the winners of the bids for the first phase of the Karnataka Solar Mission, and Mr Kumar said that some of these projects would come up in the park.

“We have also received about 500 MW worth applications to set up projects under the REC (Renewable Energy Certificates) mechanism and some of these projects will also come up in the park,” Mr Kumar added.

KREDL had called for applications under the REC scheme, where producers of renewable energy who opt out of the preferential feed-in tariff, get tradable certificates.

The certificates could be bought by specified ‘obligated entities' – who are either specified consumers or electricity distribution companies.

Under the Karnataka Renewable Energy Policy 2009-14, the State plans to add about 4,300 MW and proposes to bring in Rs 23,890 crore of investments.

2 Raichur Thermal Power Station units trip again (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubli/2-Raichur-Thermal-Power-Station-units-trip-again/articleshow/13016991.cms)

HUBLI: Two units of Raichur Thermal Power Station (RTPS) stopped operations on Saturday due to technical problems in boilers .
After showing a sign of recovery,problem at the station again intensified on Saturday with two generating units with a capacity of 210MW tripping.
According to technical director, RTPS, units 3 and 4 have stoppedfunctioning and officials are working to rectify the problem. The unit are expected to begin work from Sunday

TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubli/2-Raichur-Thermal-Power-Station-units-trip-again/articleshow/13016991.cms)

B’lore firm may develop solar parks in State

Rohith B R, Bangalore, May 5, 2012, DHNS :
Projects planned in Dharwad, Raichur, Bidar, Yadgir districts

A private company which has developed Asia’s first and the world’s largest solar park at Charanka village in Gujarat, is likely to bag the Solar Park projects in Karnataka too.

Sources told Deccan Herald that the State government had invited engineers from EI Technologies based in Bangalore, to conduct inspections at four locations in the State where solar parks could be set up.

One of the proposed locations is Mannur village in Bijapur district, where 4,000 acres have been identified to develop a solar park of 500 MW capacity, according to Energy Minister Shobha Karandlaje. Sources said other proposed locations are in Raichur and Yadgir districts.

On Friday, Karandlaje said the solar plant at Mannur would be developed with an initial capacity of 80 MW to 100 MW and would be expanded later. She said the work on the solar park would be monitored by Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL), the nodal agency for promoting renewable energy. KREDL would also be responsible to provide basic infrastructure like power evacuation, water and roads to the developers.

EI Technologies engineer N Ranganath told Deccan Herald that he had been invited to conduct site inspections in the State to set up solar parks. He said like Gujarat, Karnataka was also a preferred State for tapping solar power in districts like Dharwad, Raichur, Bidar and Yadgir.

Ranganath said the estimated cost of developing a solar plant of 1 MW capacity was around Rs 9 crore and to develop a 80 MW plant, it would cost around Rs 720 crore. He said if the land was in possession of the government, it would not take more than six months to complete the project.

Ranganath said tapping solar energy would be inevitable in future as it had advantages when it came to total savings on the project, operation and maintenance. He said any location to develop solar park should have minimum availability of water as solar panels need periodical cleaning.

KREDL Managing Director N Prasanna Kumar said once the developer was finalised, the government would provide infrastructure and the project would begin. He said the project would be maintained by the developer for a lease agreement period of 30 years.

Hubli-Electricity Supply Company on mission to save energy (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubli/Hubli-Electricity-Supply-Company-on-mission-to-save-energy/articleshow/13334029.cms)

HUBLI: In a bid to shore up power deficiency that is cripplingthe state, Hubli-Electricity Supply Company (Hescom) has decided to launch an innovative programme to save energy in north Karnataka region.
Hescom is all set to take the message 'save energy' to each door step of consumers in seven districts - Dharwad, Haveri, Gadag, Karwar, Bijapur, Belgaum and Bagalkot.
The programme will be held in all the seven districts with an intention of motivating people tosave energy and avoid wastage of energy in their homes, working places, factories etc. throughout the year.
Demand side management wing of the Hescom has taken initiative in launching this educational programme to reach out to the customers.
"This programme is designed to inculcate the habit of saving energy among people. An NGO has been vested with the responsibility to create awareness among the public, students and farmers to save energy," Pankaj Kumar Pandey, managing director, Hescom, said.
After calling tender, the work hasbeen allotted to the NGO, which is now busy organizing awareness programmes.
"As part of the initiative, seminars, lectures, drawing competitions, essay writing competitions and other activities will be held at schools and colleges. The student community will be educated on the need to save energy for future generations," he said.
There are plans to involve local artists and theatre personalities and organize street plays in rural areas, Pandey added.
Rallies will be organized in villages to educate farmers to useonly energy-efficient pumpsets ofgood quality. People will be asked to use solar lights and CFL bulbs which help save energy considerably.
The programme will be launched from Friday in all villages and taluks of seven districts for an year.

© TIMES OF INDIA (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubli/Hubli-Electricity-Supply-Company-on-mission-to-save-energy/articleshow/13334029.cms)

:cheers:

BANGALORE: “Biofuel Information Centres will be set up in all the districts in the next three months,” Chairman of the Karnataka State Biofuel Development Board (KSBDB) Y B Ramakrishna said on Saturday.

Speaking at the foundation laying ceremony of a Biofuel Research Centre in the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bangalore, on the GKVK campus, Ramakrishna said, “In addition to the existing 17 information centres, 13 more centres will be opened in the coming months. Besides providing all sorts of information on biofuels, these centres will be designed to collect different types of non-edible oil seeds, extract oil with 500-600 kg of seed crushing capacity per day and produce 100 to 150 litres of bio-diesel per day,” he added.

The bio-diesel produced will be blended with petrol and diesel and used in several vehicles belonging to board and the university and the de-oiled cake will be used/sold as organic manure, he stated.

He also appreciated the government efforts to promote biofuel.

“At present, Karnataka has the capacity to produce 135 million litres of ethanol from molasses, which will be increased to 200 million litres by this year end. Karnataka is the first state in the country to formulate a biofuel policy, create a task force and constitute a board for the promotion of biofuel,” he explained.

On the occasion, Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda inaugurated a national workshop on Rural Agriculture Work Experience (RAWE) Programme and launched the biofuel park website.

The workshop was jointly organised by the UAS, Bangalore,� and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and Biofuel Development Board. Informing about the RAWE programme, Vice-Chancellor of University of Agricultural Sciences� Dr K Narayana Gowda said, “Under the programme, the students are given rigorous orientation on various issues and problems they can expect in the farmer’s fields and provides real time opportunity for them to work on complete crop season through various extension methods.”

RAWE, which has been a part of the course offered in the 8th semester, henceforth will be offered in the 7th semester and coincide with the Kharif season and the students will be placed in the Raitha Samparka Kendras.

The duration has been extended from four weeks to 12 weeks from next batch, he explained.

The State government has come forward to extend stipend from this year to each student at `1,500 per month besides, extending other facilities for effective implementation of the programme, in addition to `750 given by the university and the ICAR.

IBNLive (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/13-more-biofuel-information-centres-soon/259920-60-115.html)

http://www.biofuelkarnataka.com/

Surana Power likely to commence Raichur project next year

Surana Power Ltd is confident of commencing generation of electricity from its upcoming 420 MW plant by next year because the project will not face any fuel supply issues. Surana Power has a captive coal mine in hand.

The company, a wholly owned subsidiary of the NSE-listed Surana Industries Ltd, is putting up a Rs 2,400-crore project near Raichur in Karnataka. “The project is 50 per cent complete,” says Mr Dinesh Surana, Managing Director, Surana Industries. The public sector power equipment major BHEL will supply boilers and turbines for the two units of 210 MW each.

Surana Power was recently in news when the rating agency CARE assigned Surana’s Rs 1,800-crore long-term bank loans a `B' rating. “The rating is primarily constrained by poor operational performance of the existing 35 MW power plant and resultant strain on its cash flow position. The rating is also constrained by lack of experience of the group in execution of large-scale projects, presence of coal purchase agreement with a group company which is venturing into coal mining, power offtake and price risk associated with its power purchase, agreements, regulatory risk and forex risk associated with coal imports,” CARE said.

However, the rating agency also noted that the rating “derives strength” from favourable demand scenario for electricity in south India and the achievement of financial closure of the project.

Asked for a comment on this, Mr Dinesh Surana said the 35 MW plant has a fuel supply agreement with Coal India Ltd, but Coal India has not been able to supply the fuel. As a consequence, Surana Power had to buy coal from abroad, which is costly.

The 35 MW plant is meant for captive use, to supply electricity to the steel plant run by the Rs 1,223-crore Surana Industries. “We are using the plant to supply just as much electricity as we require,” Mr Surana said, adding that while the captive power plant was not running to full capacity, it was not making a loss either. http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/article3449265.ece

Kemar-Shantigrama line will improve Karnataka's power situation

Situation in power-starved Karnataka is all set to improve once Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Ltd (KPTCL) completes the work of laying 179 km long 400 kv Kemar-Shantigrama line. Plagued by delays due to litigations over environmental issues, the line work, which commenced in 2009 and was scheduled for completion in 2010, will now be completed by June end. KPTCL is racing against the clock to meet the deadline.
On completion, power generated at Udupi power project in Nandikoor will be evacuated using the 400 kv line. The line will link the Udupi power project to 400/220 kv Power Grid Corporation of India's receiving station at Shantigrama in Hassan.
At present, the power generated (around 320 MW) by the Udupi Power Corporation Ltd is used to meet peak load in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. The rest is evacuated to Shimoga using a 220 kv line. Completion of Kemar-Shantigrama line will also make Varahi hydro electric project at Hosangadi of Udupi district completely functional.

The peaking station will generate power only in about eight hours in the morning and evening every day. At present, Karnataka is not able to make full use of the 460 MW power that four units (each of 115MW capacity) of Varahi are capable of generating as the 220 kv Shimoga line is overloaded.
Vijayanarasimha, managing director, Mangalore Electricity Supply Company Ltd said, "We are not able to utilize the full capacity of Varahi as Mescom is obliged to utilize power generated by UPCL. Otherwise, we will need to pay them the generation charges." Kemar-Shantigrama line would reduce the load on 220 kv Shimoga line and allow the state to tap power generated at Varahi, he added.
The first two units of Varahi generate power at 56 paise per unit and the other two at Rs 1.26.
B Govind Rao, superintending engineer (electrical), transmission (works and maintenance), Mangalore circle of KPTCL told TOI that concrete bed foundation work on all 529 pylons of Kemar-Shantigrama line had been completed.
"The work of erecting 506 power pylons has been completed and conductors have been drawn to length of 155 out of 179 kms," he said and added the new line capable of evacuating 2,000-MW power would be completed by June end. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mangalore/Kemar-Shantigrama-line-will-improve-Karnatakas-power-situation/articleshow/13463003.cms

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Fresh global bids called for 1,300 Mw Gulbarga thermal power project

The Power Company of Karnataka Ltd (PCKL), a wholly-owned company of government of Karnataka and the authorised representative of the five electricity supply companies (Escoms) in Karnataka, which has failed to secure coal linkage for its proposed 1,320 Mw super-critical thermal power project at Gulbarga, has invited fresh global bids for supply of power on long term basis under Case-2 Bidding Framework as per the competitive bidding guidelines.

The cost of the project is estimated at Rs 7,500 crore. The PCKL had floated bids for the Gulbarga Thermal Power Project on a build, own and operate (BOO) basis in July 2010. About 23 bidders were qualified including Ambani brothers at RFQ (request for qualification) stage.

“As per the original plan, PCKL had the responsibility to secure coal linkage for this project. However, as the government of India has not provided coal linkage to many power projects including Gulbarga project in Karnataka, the company has amended the RFQ document and enabled the private players to secure coal linkage on their own. Since, this is a major change, the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) asked us to invite fresh bids,” a top PCKL official said.

Though the opportunity is given to new players to bid for the project, all the 23 qualified bidders will have to submit fresh proposal in the formats provided in the modified RFQ documents, the official said.

Tata Power, GMR Energy Limited Jindal Power Ltd, Shree Cement Limited, IRB Infrastructure Developers Ltd, Sterlite Energy Ltd, Aditya Birla Essel Mining & Industries Ltd, GVK Industries Ltd, AES (India) Private Ltd, Adani Power Ltd, Dalmia Power Ltd and Videocon among others have been qualified already.

The PCKL has asked the bidders to submit their RFQ documents by June 25, 2012, and the bids will be opened the same date, a notification issued by PCKL on Monday said.

PCKL is in possession of 1,601 acres of land in Gulbarga taluk near Firozabad, Kirangi and Nadisinnur village limits and has secured allocation for 2.06 TMC of water from Googal Barrage across Krishna River.

As per the amended RFQ documents, the successful bidders are required to obtain coal linkages of imported or domestic or blend of both.

PCKL had first floated bids in 2007 for setting up 2x660 Mw (1,320 Mw) coal-based thermal power plant at Farhatabad near Gulbarga in north Karnataka. Subsequently, 11 companies were qualified out of 14 bidders. However, after the KERC raised certain objections, the PCKL had to float fresh bids in July 2010 and another 12 companies were qualified including Mukesh Ambani-led RIL.

The project will be constructed over a period of four years from the date of signing the agreement and the entire power generated would be supplied to the state grid, PCKL official added.

This is the first project taken up by PCKL under the competitive bid route. Apart from this project, the PCKL is also in the process of developing another 1,320 Mw thermal power project in Ghataprabha taluk of Belgaum district.

PCKL is responsible for capacity addition by way of setting up of new power projects through bidding process, under Case-II bidding guidelines issued by Ministry of Power, GOI and long term procurement of power under Case-I bidding guidelines of MoP, GoI.http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/fresh-global-bids-called-for-1300-mw-gulbarga-thermal-power-project/474938/

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Acciona SA : ACCIONA inaugurates its biggest wind park in India

Located in Karnataka state, the 56 MW Tuppadahalli wind park will produce electric power equivalent to the consumption of 35,000 Indian homes.

With 85.8 MW in operation, the company is the biggest Spanish wind power operator in the country.

ACCIONA Energy yesterday inaugurated the Tuppadahalli wind park, its third installation of this type in India and the biggest in terms of installed capacity. With a nominal capacity of 56.1 MW, every year it will produce electricity of renewable origin equivalent to the consumption of around 35,000 Indian homes.

The inauguration ceremony for Tuppadahalli was attended by ACCIONA Vice-president Juan Ignacio Entrecanales, ACCIONA Energy President Carmen Becerril and the Managing Director of Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd., Prasanna Kumar. The three wind farms the company owns in India are located in the state of Karnataka, with a total installed capacity of 85.8 MW.

The Tuppadahalli wind park has thirty-four 1.65 MW turbines which, through wind power, will avoid the emission of around 129,000 metric tons of CO2 a year to the atmosphere from conventional power plants in the state. The electricity generated is purchased by the state-owned distribution company MESCOM.

All ACCIONA's wind parks in India are wholly owned by the company. The new facility joins the wind parks of Arasinagundi (13.2 MW), installed in 2007, and Anabaru (16.5 MW), which entered service in 2008.

ACCIONA has a number of projects at an advanced stage of development, with the aim of consolidating its position as the leading Spanish wind power operator in India.

Optimized production
ACCIONA's wind parks in India have achieved a high load factor which optimizes the generation of energy and the profitability obtained from production.

ACCIONA has included its three operational wind parks in India under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) envisaged in the Kyoto Protocol against Climate Change, which guarantees the economic viability of projects through the trading of emission rights derived from renewable generation.

India is currently the fifth biggest wind power market in the world, with an accumulated capacity of 16,084 MW at the end of 2011. It offers great prospects for the future and is expected to reach 35,000 MW in 2015, according to BTM Consult. The Indian Government has set an objective of 82,000 MW from wind power by 2022 within the framework of its policy to promote renewables in the country.

4-traders (http://www.4-traders.com/ACCIONA-SA-69450/news/Acciona-SA-ACCIONA-inaugurates-its-biggest-wind-park-in-India-14349441/)

NTPC begins work on power project in Karnataka

Bangalore: State-run National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Ltd Saturday commenced work on the first phase of the 4,000 megawatt super thermal power plant in Karnataka's Bijapur district.

Union Power Minister Sushilkumar Shinde Saturday laid the foundation stone for the first phase of the Rs.15,166-crore ($2.7 billion) project at Kudgi, about 550 km from here. The project that will come up on a 3000 acre area comprises three units of 800 mw each.

Union Corporate Affairs Minister M. Veerappa Moily, Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda and a host of dignitaries were also present on the occasion on a hot summer day.

The NTPC will take up the remaining two units in the second phase after commissioning the first unit by 2016.

"The NTPC's first super thermal project in Karnataka is aimed at meeting the growing energy demand in the four southern states proportionately. This is among the nine mega power projects the central government had taken up for executing in the 11th and 12th five-year plan periods," Shinde said after the ground-breaking ceremony.

Being the host state, Karnataka will get 50 percent of the power generated at the plant with the balance 50 percent distributed among Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

NTPC has floated global tenders to procure machinery for the nine projects, attracting bids from British, French, Korean and Japanese firms, which plan to set up manufactures basis in India to reduce the machinery cost.

"The projects will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs and reduce the energy deficit majority of the states face across the country due to shortage from other sources and increasing demand by a growing economy," Shinde said in his address.

Union Power secretary P. Umashankar said about 76,000 mw would be added and 100,000 km of new transmission lines would be laid during the next three years to carry the power generated by the state-run plants on the national grid.

"When commissioned, the Kudgi thermal power plant will add 7,400 mw of power to the state grid, which already carries about 5,000 mw of power from the state-run Raichur and Bellary thermal plants in the northern districts of the state," Umashankar said.

NTPC chairman and managing director Arup Roy Choudhury said the first phase of the project would require 13 million tonnes of coal per annum and 162 cusecs of water.

"The coal will be brought to the plant site by rail-road, as the village (Kudgi), 5km from the project site, has a rail link and water will be sourced from the Almatti reservoir across the downstream of the Krishna river," Choudhury pointed out.

The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests gave environmental clearance for the first phase of the project in January.

The NTPC will use super critical boilers and latest equipment from Doosan of Korea and Toshibha of Japan, which have agreed to set up their manufacturing plants in the country to produce the machinery.


http://week.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/theWeekContent.do?contentId=11708679&programId=1073754912&tabId=13

Bijapur NTPC Koodagi Foundation

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Copyrights:- http://www.sahilonline.org

Uppinangady, June 3, 2012, DHNS:

Uppinangady Raitha Sangha members submitted a complaint to Deputy Commissioner Dr N S Chennappa Gowda that to facilitate the work on mini hydro electricity project, at Adekal, a road has been laid by dumping mud into Kumaradhara river.

The dumping of the mud into the river will create artificial flood during monsoon at 34-Nekkiladi village. It will also affect the easy flow of water in the river, they stated.

The office-bearers met the DC during his visit to Uppinangady. “In the name of constructing a dam, mud has been dumped into the river for about one kilometre stretch. With the dumping of the mud, the water which is being supplied to Puttur is getting polluted,” they alleged.

“With the mini hydro electricity project, acres of farm land is likely to be submerged. However, the company has paid compensation only to few farmers and have cheated over 100 farmers.

The DC should intervene and provide justice to the farmers.”

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Deputy Commissioner said that three mini hydro electricity projects have been sanctioned across Kumaradhara river. A meeting of all the dam owners will be convened on June 15.

“We will ensure that no injustice is meted out to the farmers. I have asked Tahsildar to furnish details on the land required for the project,” he said.

DHNS (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/254315/mini-hydro-project-pollutes-surroundings.html)

http://www.freeimagehosting.net/newuploads/yjiwd.jpg
ಹೊಸದಿಗಂತ (http://hosadigantha.in)

Bangalore to use Israeli technology for garbage-to-wattage plan (http://panchabuta.com/2012/06/04/bangalore-to-use-israeli-technology-for-garbage-to-wattage-plan/)

According to reports, the BBMP is looking to overcome the growing problem of garbage disposal, by utilising the 3,000 tonnes generated each day in the City to produce power.

The Palike has decided to turn its landfills into alternative power units. Even as its projects to turn the Mandoor and Mavallipura landfills into power generating units are yet to be realised, BBMP plans to have two more such units using garbage.

Garbage will be converted into refuse-derived fuel (RDF) through a new technology. The kitchen waste will be turned into biofuel to generate power. An Israeli technology – using water to segregate the waste and then generating power from it – is being employed. Sources said one of the units will come up at Kammanahalli and a request for proposal has been floated for the purpose.

Also, BBMP will set up an automated garbage processing unit with a capacity of 750 tonnes in Rajarajeshwari Nagar. According to sources, while the RR Nagar plant will not generate power, it will have the capacity to produce RDF, which can be used for generating power.

“The RR Nagar plant will help us restrict the number of vehicles carrying garbage, moving towards the north of the City (where all three major landfills are located at Mandoor, Mavallipura and Terrafarms) as the garbage processing unit is proposed at RR Nagar in the south,” said a Palike official.

Meanwhile, approval has been sought from the Palike council for the 10-MW Mavallipura power plant. According to BBMP sources, the company has got the approval from the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board.

The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has promised to provide water for the power plant. “The matter has come up before the BBMP council, and it will be cleared shortly,” said the official.
The Ramky company had been promised 100 acres to set up a power generation unit, but the Palike has been unable to find land, due to the opposition from villagers to allot land for the project, said the official.
The Mandoor landfill – which was already handed over to a Andhra Pradesh-based contractor – has run into technical difficulties and requires an additional investment of Rs 5 crore. “We had a meeting with officials of the Union Ministry for New and Renewable Energy and have sought their assistance. The matter should be resolved soon,” said another senior Palike official, who refused to be quoted.

The second Global Investors’ Meet has received the largest expression of interest and signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) in the energy sector, LV Nagarajan, principal secretary finance, announced on Friday.

“Investments of more than `80,000 crore are likely to be made in this sector, especially in the field of renewable energy,” he said.

Speaking at a seminar organised on the power sector, Nagarajan elaborated that though the state had a huge capacity of producing 23,400 MW of power from renewable energy sources like wind and solar, only 3,500 MW of power came from wind and solar energies. There was a great scope for private players to invest in power projects running under public private partnership.

Wind power projects will come up in Bidar, Belagavi, Gadag and other parts of North Karnataka. Similarly, solar energy plants will come up in 20 different locations of the state, he said.

PK Paul, executive director for project development, GAIL, said that Karnataka would have a better supply of natural gas for industries by 2013 as Bangalore was getting two pipelines of natural gas. One pipeline would be from Kochi (1,150 km) and the second from Dabhol in Maharastra (1,386 km). Both projects would be completed by 2013 and the government could envisage a plan for full utilisation of natural gas.

The state government has planned a gas-based power plant at Bidadi for supplying power exclusively for Bangalore.

Energy minister Shobha Karandlaje gave a miss to the seminar, while the chief minister DV Sadananda Gowda sat with the audience and boosted the morale of the bureaucrats to woo the investors.

DNA (http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_gim-2012-slew-of-mous-for-power-projects_1700124)

BANGALORE: Wind turbine manufacturer Suzlon Group today signed an expression of interest (EoI) with the government of Karnataka to develop 2,500 megawatt (MW) of new wind power capacity in the state between 2012 and 2017.

Speaking on the occasion here, Suzlon Group Chairman Tulsi Tanti said: "This not only reinforces Karnataka's position as one of India's leading markets in wind energy, but also illustrates their commitment towards creating a low-carbon economy in the state".

The EoI covers the development of new capacity in wind farms across the state, with developments planned in the districts of Bijapur, Chitradurga, Tumkur, Dharwad, Raichur, Chikmagalur, Mysore, Belgaum and Bagalkot. The investment is worth Rs 15,000 crore, according to a company statement.

Under the EoI signed during GIM 2012, the Karnataka government would obtain the necessary permissions, registrations, approvals and clearances for the development of wind farms in the state.

Suzlon, in turn, would play the role of a developer and facilitate the flow of investments into the state through its customers investing in wind energy. Karnataka has large untapped wind energy potential, with estimates ranging around 13,000 MW according to Centre for Wind Energy Technology (CWET).

ET (http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-06-07/news/32101295_1_wind-power-capacity-wind-turbine-manufacturer-wind-farms)

Power Production

Composite Global energy ---------- Rs.20,000 crores - ????? MW
GVK energy Limited ---------------- Rs.15,000 crores - ????? MW
GVK energy Limited ---------------- Rs.10,000 crores - ????? MW --- ???
Suzlon ------------------------------- Rs.15,000 crores - 2500 MW (Bijapur, Chitradurga, Tumkur, Dharwad, Raichur, Chikmagalur, Mysore, Belgaum and Bagalkot)
Surana Power ----------------------- Rs.11,880 crores - ????? MW
Mytrah Energy ---------------------- Rs.20,000 crores - ????? MW
Goenka group ---------------------- Rs.09,900 crore - ????? MW in renewable energy.
Green Infra (Fiza Group) ---------- Rs.08,000 crores - ????? MW
Green Infra (IDFC PE) ------------- Rs.08,000 crores - ????? MW
Udupi Power Corporation ---------- Rs.06,930 crores - 1320 MW
Renew Power ----------------------- Rs.06,000 crores - ????? MW
Flamingo Energy Ventures --------- Rs.05,903 crores - ????? MW
Flamingo Power --------------------- Rs.05,903 crores - ????? MW
Chinaland Solar --------------------- Rs.05,500 crores - ????? MW
Welspun Renewable Energy -------- Rs.05,050 crores - 750 + 100 MW (Bijapur, Chitradurga and Belgaum)
Avatar Green Energy --------------- Rs.05,000 crores - ????? MW


Others

Synefra ------------------------------ Rs.05,000 crores


Capacity has to be updated later.

Also note that a few of them are for manufacturing turbine, wind mills, solar panels, etc. So, removed Synefra & rest will be updated later.

B. S. SATISH KUMAR

The huge investment proposals made in the power sector during the recently concluded Global Investors' Meet – 2012 seek to set up power generation plants with a total capacity of 10,000 to 12,000 MW, thereby setting the ball rolling for doubling the State's power generation capacity.

Disclosing this to The Hindu, Power Company of Karnataka Ltd. Managing Director M. Naveen Kumar, who was the nodal officer for the investment proposals in the energy sector at the GIM, said a large number of proposals pertained to power generation.

At present, the State has an installed capacity of about 11,000 MW and it would need tremendous planning for such a massive exercise to materialise.

However, Energy Department officials are confident that the above target could be achieved. “Though it appears like an uphill task now, it is achievable as most of them are long-term projects,” sources said. Besides, the officials feel that substantial addition to the power generation capacity could be achieved even if the reputed companies and the big investors alone convert their proposals into reality.

SCREENING PROCESS

According to sources, the investments in the energy sector, which account for 39.6 per cent of the total investments made at the GIM, could have been even higher had all the investment proposals been accepted. However, this time, the government wanted only genuine investors. A screening process of investment proposals had been under way since February. Any company desirous of investing in the energy sector was required to first make a Registration of Interest (RoI).

A committee comprising top-level officials from various departments, including Energy, Finance, Industry and the Pollution Control Board, went through the presentation of every potential investor who had made a RoI. Through this process, some of the non-serious investors were weeded out and efforts to inflate investment figures by some others too were checked, sources said.

The renewable energy sector, such as solar and wind segments, have attracted huge investment proposals this time even as proposals have also been made to set up thermal and gas-based power plants.

FIRST OF ITS KIND

According to sources, a prominent renewable energy company has proposed to set up an offshore wind energy plant in the State. If this materialises, then it would become the first such wind energy project to come up offshore in Karnataka. Another company has proposed to set up thermal power plants with a total capacity of 4,800 MW.

The large number of proposals made in power generation sector has also underscored the need to plan for augmentation of power transmission network to enable it to handle the proposed increase in generation. Transmission network augmentation not only requires huge financial support, but also needs various clearances.

TH (http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/karnataka/article3509701.ece)

KARWAR: The Kaiga Generating Station (KGS) has got the nod for setting up Units 5 and 6 by the Union cabinet. It is awaiting clearance from the ministry of environment and forest.

J P Gupta, site director of Kaiga nuclear power station, said on Monday that the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) has identified 10 places in the country to set up the nuclear reactors of 700 mw and Kaiga is one among them. The reactors would be set up on priority basis in these places, he said.

After setting up of Unit 5 and 6, Karnataka will get 50% of the electricity generated in KGS. The KGS has made a profit of Rs 165 crore in the financial year 2011-12, he added.

Gupta said since the last four months, all the four units of KGS have been operating continuously producing 650 MW of electricity. Unit 2 of KGS which is operating from June 3, 2011, completed a year of continuous operation.

This year the 'Power Line' award given for production of electricity was bestowed on KGS.

The KGS got the best performing Nuclear Station Award, which was presented by Union power minister Sushil Kumar Shinde. Apart from this Kaiga also got the the award of the fourth best nuclear power unit in the world, he said.

Health survey

Gupta said that the health survey Tata Medical Centre is conducting in and around Kaiga plant and also in other parts of the country where there are nuclear power stations, is independent and NPCL has no say in it.

TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubli/Kaiga-gets-cabinet-nod-for-Units-56/articleshow/14041439.cms)

New Delhi, Delhi, June 13, 2012 /India PRwire/ -- Welspun Energy Ltd. will be developing twin wind power projects in the state of Karnataka, within the next five years. The Independent Power Producer has been working toward developing a cumulative target of 1.7 GW of wind and solar energy projects.

In the recently held Karnataka's Global Investors Meet, Welspun Energy has signed an MoU and Expression of Interest for 100 MW & 750 MW capacity wind power projects with the Government of Karnataka. As per the signed documents on the 7th of June 2012, the projects are to be developed in the districts of Bijapur, Chitradurga and Belgaun.

Vineet Mittal, Co-founder & Managing Director of Welspun Energy Ltd. says" We want to help create a greener empowered India and through our renewable energy projects Welspun Energy is effecting a change on ground. With the signing of these two projects we have moved exponentially forward in this direction."

The state has been a natural choice for wind energy based power generation. With a potential of 11,500 MW wind energy capacity, Karnataka holds the third favorable position in the country for wind based power projects.

indiaPRwire (http://www.indiaprwire.com/pressrelease/oil-energy/20120613122402.htm)

Mangalore, June 22, 2012, DHNS:

‘It is aimed at discouraging consumption of electricity during peak hours’

Time of Day (ToD) tariff has been made compulsory for HT-2a and HT-2b consumers with a contract demand of 500 kVA and above, with effect from September 1, 2012, by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) in its tariff order dated April 30, 2012.

Addressing the consumers, at a discussion on ‘Time of tariff implementation,’ organised by MESCOM here on Friday, KERC Chairperson M R Srinivasmurthy said there are 140 consumers who come under HT-2a and HT-2b in Mescom limits, who contribute about 25 per cent of the power consumption.

In the tariff order dated September 27, 2005, the KERC had introduced ToD tariff as an optional to HT-1 (water supply), HT-2a (industrial) and LT-5 consumers. For LT-5 (LT industrial) and HT-1 (water supply) consumer, the optional ToD will be continue as existing.

He said it was easy to reduce the electricity production when the demand reduces, when the state was depending on hydro electricity. However, with the thermal power plants generating electricity, it is not easy to reduce the production suddenly. Hence, ToD is inevitable, to balance the demand for electrcity during peak hours and non-peak hours.

MESCOM Managing Director Vijaynarasimha said that the metering for ToD will be completed by the month end. There will be no additional charges to be paid by the consumers, to change the metres. The metres will be replaced by the Mescom.

Earlier, while making a presentation on ToD, Mescom Technical Advisor Jayaram Alva said the ToD is required to tackle peak shortage and energy shortages and will improve load reliability.

It will also improve the system load factor by reducing the demand during peak period. It will be an incentive to consumers for shifting portion of their loads from peak time to off peak time.
It is aimed at discouraging consumption of electricity during the peak hours and promoting consumption during off peak hours.

The consumers covered by the ToD tariff have to pay Re 1 extra per unit for the electricity consumed between 6 pm and 10 pm. They will get a rebate of Rs 1.25/unit for the electricity consumed between 10 pm and 6 am.

This will greatly help the Escoms to manage their supply by minimising the need for load shedding during peak hours, he added.

Consumers speak

Shantharaj Aithal of Mescom said that a majority of the reservoirs are filled with silt.
“Hence, the storage capacity of water is less in the dams. If the silt is removed, then the production capacity can be improved,” he said.

NMPT Executive Engineer said that NMPT does not have processing units. But lighting load during peak hour can not be cut off in its limit. “The KERC should relook into the charges made during peak period.”

Ramakrishna from MRPL said that the MRPL had opted for ToD two years ago. “The MRPL could save upto Rs 35 lakh in its electricity bill per year. Moreover, energy efficiency methods should be deployed to save energy.”

Welcoming the move of KERC to implement ToD, Diwakar from KIOCL said “KIOCL has gone for ToD and we could save upto Rs 40,000 per month.”

Consumer Narayana said that several farmers use pumpsets during peak hours after the power is supplied free of cost for the pumpsets. Hence, there is a need to give rebate for those who do not run pumpsets during peak hours. Auto solar switch for streetlights should be installed to automatically switch off the streetlights, he added.

‘No move to introduce differential tariffs’

Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission chairperson M R Srinivasmurthy said that the KERC does not have any proposal to introduce differential tariffs for all the Escoms in the state.

When asked on pre paid metres, he said that pre paid metres are a good idea and Escoms are free to adopt it. “The Commission will not object to it.”

DHNS (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/258951/tod-tariff-inevitable-says-kerc.html)

GIM-2012 Energy MOUs

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Advantage Karnataka > Global Investors Meet - 2012 > MOU List 2012 > Energy (http://www.advantagekarnataka.com/global-investor-meet12/mous-at-event-details.php?sector=Energy)

^^ Check against post #384 above. Composite Global, Surana, Mytrah, Goenka, Green Infra, UPCL, Renew Power, Welspun, Sulzon, Chinaland Solar, Avatar, Synefra are missing?

Geospatial Mapping of Bioenergy Potential in Karnataka, India (http://www.buet.ac.bd/ces/ramachandra.pdf) <-- Click for PDF file.

Bangalore, July 5, 2012, DHNS

Aims to unseat Maharashtra from second spot in country

The State would soon dislodge Maharashtra from the second spot in biofuel production in the country, by increasing its production to 200 million litres by this year end, said Y B Ramakrishna, executive chairman of Karnataka State Biofuel Development Board (KSBDB) on Thursday. Presently, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra occupy the top two slots.

He told reporters that the State produced six lakh tonnes each of honge and neem seeds every year. He said, according to a rough estimate, the State had biofuel related plantations of 1.35 lakh hectares and there was scope for a plantation area of 14 lakh hectares more. By the year end, the State would invest Rs 200 crore under various schemes to give a boost to the sector, he said.

KSBDB officials said a private company had set up a biofuel production unit with a capacity of 3,000 litres a day in Peenya Industrial Area, Bangalore. Southern Biofuel was producing 50,000 litres at its unit near Devanahalli. The company had tied up with the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) and was presently, supplying fuel for 20 per cent of the ground transport vehicles there. They said the government was in talks with BIAL to run 1,400 taxis attached to the airport on biofuel. Only 35 per cent of the biofuel produced was being utilised, he added.

Green fuel outlet

Ramakrishna said a green fuel outlet, a first of its kind in the country, would be opened at Madenur in Hassan district in three months.

The opening of the outlet, being set up in association with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, had been delayed due to land acquisition problems and they would be sorted out soon.

The biofuel bunk, on the Hassan-Channarayapatna highway, would get supplies from the nearby biofuel park, which has a capacity of 300 litres per day.

The State government has planned to open 20 such bio-diesel outlets in a year’s time. As many as 70 institutions had been identified to aid bio-fuel research.

A total of 746 seed centres would be opened in the next one year to cultivate and supply bio-fuel, he added.

‘Biofuel mela’ from August 10

The Karnataka State Biofuel Development Board (KSBDB) will organise a ‘biofuel mela’ from August 10 to 12 to mark the International Biofuel Day.

Y B Ramakrishna, executive chairman of KSBDB, said the mela scheduled to be held in Chitrakala Parishat (CKP) will have a range of events, information sessions, demonstrations, exhibitions, cinema and stalls by various stakeholder organisations, besides a variety of cultural programmes based on the biofuel theme. As many as 37 bio-fuel related projects by college students from across the State will be exhibited, he said.

KSBDB, in association with CKP, will also organise a painting competition on July 12 for primary and high school students with biofuel as the theme.

Details can be had on www.karnatakachitrakalaparishat.com or phone number 9972127937. Interested may register their names on or before July 10.

The Board will also conduct a poetry competition on the same theme on July 30 for students. Posters on Biofuel Day and the activities to be taken up have been sent to around 14,000 high schools across the State.

August 10 is observed as ‘International Biodiesel Day’ every year to mark the successful operation of Rudolf Diesel's prime model engine, a single 10-foot iron cylinder with a flywheel at its base, which ran on its own power for the first time in Augsburg, Germany in 1893, using groundnut oil.

DHNS (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/262170/state-sets-biofuel-target-200.html)

GIM-2012 MOUs/RoIs/EoIs for Energy

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Taken from Karnataka Udyoga Mitra (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=mou+roi+eoi&source=web&cd=6&ved=0CF0QFjAF&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kumbangalore.com%2Fdownload.aspx%3Ffile%3DUploads%2FFileUpload%2FGIM%2520MOU%2520EOI%2520%2520ROI%2520projects.xlsx&ei=iwr4T7u-AY_zrQeq14HEBg&usg=AFQjCNEWhkdB55oaSTmdtGL60AA-azGiRQ&cad=rja) & Advantage Karnataka (http://www.advantagekarnataka.com/).

GIM = Global Investors Meet
MOU = Memorandum Of Understanding
RoI = Registration of Interest
EoI = Expression of Interest

Green Energy includes both renewable and nuclear but here it means only renewable.

BS Reporter / Chennai/ Bangalore Jul 26, 2012, 00:46 IST

Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) has commissioned a 5-Mw grid-connected solar power plant at Shivasamudram near Mandya. This is the single largest solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Karnataka.

The plant has been set up by BHEL for the state-owned power producer, Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL), at a cost of Rs 62 crore.

With the commissioning of this unit, the company has set a new record in its solar PV business in a single year, by commissioning 15 Mw of solar power plants in various parts of the country during fiscal 2011-12, marking a significant contribution to the nation’s green initiatives.
For the Shivasamudram project, BHEL’s scope of work included design, manufacture, supply, erection and commissioning of the solar power plant. In addition, BHEL will also operate and maintain the solar power plant for a period of three years.

The solar power plant is operating satisfactorily since synchronising with the main grid and DC power generated by the solar panels is converted into AC by inverters and fed into a 66 kV grid through transformers. Crystalline silicon photovoltaic (C-SI PV) technology has been used for the solar power plant, which is well-proven and has the longest operational experience across the world.

The power plant consists of arrays of photovoltaic panels made of crystalline silicon solar cells that absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity that will be fed into the main grid.

Backed by a vast experience and expertise of nearly three decades in Power Electronics & System integration, BHEL is a leading player in the field of solar photovoltaics, from Solar Cells to System Integration of SPV power plants in India.

The SPV modules are manufactured at its ultra-modern manufacturing facility located at Bangalore. An R&D unit, located in Gurgaon, supports the operations in semi-conductors and solar photovoltaics.

In line with the rapid growth in this field, BHEL is planning to augment its manufacturing facility for Solar PV Modules during the current fiscal. The company’s PV modules are certified to international standards by accredited agencies.

Starting from small applications like solar powered street lighting, rural water pumping systems, railway signaling, offshore drilling platforms, among others, BHEL has supplied and commissioned large size stand-alone as well as grid-interactive solar power plants in a number of cities and remote areas of the country.

The company’s SPV plants have enabled the people of Lakshadweep, Sagar Islands of West Bengal, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, tribal areas of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand among others to vastly improve their quality of life.

BS (http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/bhel-commissions-5-mw-solar-power-plant/481400/)

http://www.deccanheraldepaper.com/pdf/2012/07/28/20120728a_003105001.jpg

http://www.deccanheraldepaper.com

http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/8986/electric.jpg

Bangalore: The commissioning of a new 400 kV transmission line from Udupi to Bangalore will ease the power shortage in the state by the month-end. But the monsoon could play spoiler. The coal-fired Udupi Power Corporation plant is all set to transmit an additional 500 MW of power through the new line, Energy Minister Shobha Karandlaje told reporters here on Tuesday.

The first unit of the UPCL’s 600x2 power plant, commissioned in November 2010, is supplying over 540 MW of power daily to the state grid. The state will also get 500 MW power from the Bellary Thermal power station’s second unit, which is still running tests, by the month-end.

“The power situation may worsen if rains continue to play truant,” said Karandlaje and added that rainfall deficit has resulted in low storage in major hydel reservoirs. “In Linganamakki, the water is about 30 tmc ft as against 80 tmc ft the previous year,” she said.

The state gets about 1,250 MW of power from windmills, which accounts for about 10 to 15 million units a day. Authorities have planned to purchase an additional 750 MW of power this year, the minister said. She said the demand for power in the state is increasing every year. “We have witnessed a growth of over 24 per cent last year and poor rains will also result in the increase in the number of illegal irrigation power sets from the present two lakh to three lakh,” Karandlaje said.

IBNLive (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/karnataka-1000-mw-more-power-to-ease-crisis/280047-62-129.html)

what is the power supply- demand ratio of our state?

Published: Saturday, Aug 11, 2012, 10:09 IST
By DNA Correspondent | Place: Bangalore | Agency: DNA

Chief minister Jagadish Shettar has assured that the government will consider reducing value added tax (VAT) on biofuel to 5% from the existing rate of 14%. Inaugurating the Biofuel Mela 2012 in the city on Friday, he said, “I will consult with various departments and see whether we can reduce the VAT to 5%.”

The three-day mela is being organised by the Karnataka State Biofuel Development Board (KSBDB) and will feature several cultural programmes, exhibitions as well as discussions. The inaugural day of the mela also coincided with the International Biodiesel Day, celebrated worldwide on August 10.

Shettar lauded the initiatives of KSBDB and said that such events were necessary to increase the profile and awareness of bio-energy among the general public. “More awareness should exist about bio-energy, because we all need to look at the day when conventional sources of energy might run out. We need to increase the use of biodiesel,” he added.

The chief minister also said that he will consider giving the KSBDB an additional `14 crore to carry on their activities involving farmers. He also announced that a first of its kind bio-energy bunk would be set up in the state. “Currently, nearly 2,000 KSRTC buses are running on blended petrol. For the first time in the country, there will be a bio-diesel outlet in the state,” he added.

Shettar also spoke about the prevailing drought in the state and encouraged farmers to take up crops such as neem and millets like pongamia in the dry areas.

The mela features stalls exhibiting the work done by KSBDB, as well as those put up by private companies working on alternative energy sectors such as solar and wind energy. Students from the National Institute of Engineering have also put up stalls, highlighting the projects they have done on biomass technology.

The final day, on Sunday, will feature a walkathon from Chitrakala Parishad, the venue of the mela, to Vidhana Soudha.

DNA (http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_govt-to-consider-vat-relief-on-biofuel_1726654)

ಕಲ್ಲಿದ್ದಲು ಲಿಂಕೇಜ್*ಗೆ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಸರ್ಕಾರ ಆಸಕ್ತಿ ತೋರಲಿ

Udayavani | Aug 12, 2012

ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು: ಕೇಂದ್ರದ ಗ್ರಿಡ್*ನಿಂದ ಸಮರ್ಪಕ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಪಡೆದುಕೊಳ್ಳುವ ನಿಟ್ಟಿನಲ್ಲಿ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಸರ್ಕಾರ ಪೂರಕ ಕ್ರಮಗಳನ್ನು ಕೈಗೊಳ್ಳಲು ಮುಂದಾಗಬೇಕು ಎಂದು ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಇಂಧನ ಸಚಿವ ಎಂ. ವೀರಪ್ಪ ಮೊಯ್ಲಿ ಹೇಳಿದ್ದಾರೆ.

ಭಾನುವಾರ ನಗರದಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮವೊಂದರಲ್ಲಿ ಭಾಗವಹಿಸಿದ ನಂತರ ಸುದ್ದಿಗಾರೊಂದಿಗೆ ಮಾತನಾಡಿದ ಅವರು, ಕೇಂದ್ರದ ಗ್ರಿಡ್*ನಿಂದ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಪೂರೈಕೆಯಾಗುವ ಪ್ರಸರಣ ಲೈನ್*ಗಳ ಸ್ಥಾಪನೆಗೆ ಸಂಬಂಧಿಸಿದ ಜಮೀನು ವಿವಾದಗಳನ್ನು ಬಗೆಹರಿಸುವ ನಿಟ್ಟನಲ್ಲಿ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಸರ್ಕಾರ ಆಸಕ್ತಿ ವಹಿಸಿದರೆ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಒಂದು ವಾರದೊಳಗೆ 1,500 ಮೆ.ವ್ಯಾ. ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಪಡೆದುಕೊಳ್ಳಬಹುದು ಎಂದರು.

ಕೆಲವು ಸ್ಥಳಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಜಾಲದ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಲೈನ್*ಗಳಿಗೆ ಎರಡರಿಂದ ಐದು ಕಿ.ಮೀ. ಅಂತರದಲ್ಲಿ ಸ್ಟ್ರೆಚ್* ನಿರ್ಮಾಣ ಮಾಡಬೇಕಾಗಿದೆ. ಆದರೆ ಈ ಭಾಗದಲ್ಲಿ ಜಮೀನಿಗೆ ಸಂಬಂಧಿಸಿದಂತೆ ಆಕ್ಷೇಪಣೆಗಳಿವೆ. ಆದ್ದರಿಂದ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಸರ್ಕಾರ ಆಸಕ್ತಿ ತೋರಿ ಈ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆಗಳ ಪರಿಹಾರಕ್ಕೆ ಮುಂದಾಗಬೇಕು. ಈ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿಯವರೊಂದಿಗೆ ಚರ್ಚೆ ನಡೆಸಿದ್ದೇನೆ. ಸರ್ಕಾರ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಆಸಕ್ತಿ ತೋರಬೇಕು ಎಂದು ಮೊಯ್ಲಿ ತಿಳಿಸಿದರು.

ಲಿಂಗನಮಕ್ಕಿ ಜಲಾಶಯದಿಂದ ಸಮುದ್ರಕ್ಕೆ ಹರಿದುಹೋಗುವ ನೀರನ್ನು ತಡೆಗಟ್ಟುವ ನಿಟ್ಟಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಸರ್ಕಾರ ಕ್ರಮ ಕೈಗೊಂಡರೆ ಶೇ. 90ರಷ್ಟು ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಸಮಸ್ಯೆಯನ್ನು ನಿಭಾಯಿಸಬಹುದು. ಇದಕ್ಕೆ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಮಟ್ಟದಲ್ಲಿ ಸಮರ್ಥ ಆಡಳಿತ ನಿರ್ವಹಣೆಯ ಅಗತ್ಯವಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಆವರು ಹೇಳಿದರು.

ರಾಜ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಶೇ.27ರಷ್ಟು ಪ್ರಸರಣ ನಷ್ಟ: ರಾಜ್ಯದ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಪ್ರಸರಣಾ ಮತ್ತು ಪೂರೈಕೆ ನಷ್ಟ ಶೇ.27ರಷ್ಟಿದೆ. ಇದನ್ನು ಕಡಿಮೆ ಮಾಡುವ ಅಗತ್ಯವಿದೆ. ದೇಶದಲ್ಲಿ ಶೇ.7ರಷ್ಟು ಪ್ರಸರಣಾ ಮತ್ತು ವಿತರಣಾ ನಷ್ಟ ಇದ್ದರೆ ಪರಿಸ್ಥಿತಿ ನಿಭಾಯಿಸಬಹುದು. ಆದರೆ ಶೇ.12 ರಿಂದ 40ರಷ್ಟು ಇರುವುದು ಕಂಡುಬಂದಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಮೊಯ್ಲಿ ಮಾಹಿತಿ ನೀಡಿದರು.

ದೇಶದಲ್ಲಿ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಸಮಸ್ಯೆ ಬಹಳ ಗಂಭೀರವಾಗಿದೆ. ಬೇಡಿಕೆ ನಿರಂತರವಾಗಿ ಹೆಚ್ಚುತ್ತಲೆ ಇದೆ. ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಜಾಲದ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್*ನಿಂದ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆಗೆ ಪರಿಹಾರ ಸಿಗುವುದಿಲ್ಲ. ರಾಜ್ಯಗಳ ವಿತರಣಾ ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥೆಯನ್ನು ಬಲವರ್ಧನೆಗೊಳಿಸಬೇಕಾಗಿದೆ. ರಾಜ್ಯಗಳ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ನಿಗಮಗಳ ಹಣಕಾಸು ಸ್ಥಿತಿ ಸದೃಢವಾಗಿಲ್ಲ. ಈ ಸಂಬಂಧ ಮುಂದಿನ 20 ದಿನಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ರಾಜ್ಯದ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್ಛಕ್ತಿ ನಿಯಂತ್ರಣ ಆಯೋಗಗಳ ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷರ ಸಭೆ ಕರೆದು ಚರ್ಚಿಸಲಾಗುವುದು ಎಂದರು.

ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಕಾಯ್ದೆಯ ಉಲ್ಲಂಘನೆಯ ಕಾರಣಕ್ಕೆ ಉತ್ತರ ಭಾರತದಲ್ಲಿ ಗ್ರಿಡ್* ಸಮಸ್ಯೆ ಉಂಟಾಗಿ ಕತ್ತಲು ಆವರಿಸಿತ್ತು. ಈ ಸಂಬಂಧ ಆ ಭಾಗದ ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿಗಳ ಸಭೆಯಲ್ಲಿ 13 ಅಂಶಗಳ ಗೊತ್ತುವಳಿಯನ್ನು ಅಂಗೀಕರಿಸಲು ಮಂಡನೆ ಮಾಡಲಾಗಿದೆ. ಇಂಧನ ಕಾಯ್ದೆಗಳ ಉಲ್ಲಂಘನೆಯಿಂದ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆ ಉಂಟಾಗುತ್ತದೆ. 2014ರೊಳಗೆ ದಕ್ಷಿಣ ಕಾರಿಡಾರ್* ಪೂರ್ಣಗೊಳ್ಳಲಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಅವರು ಹೇಳಿದರು.

ರಾಜ್ಯಗಳ ವಿತರಣಾ ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥೆಯನ್ನು ಬಲವರ್ಧನೆಗೊಳಿಸಬೇಕಾಗಿದೆ. ವಿವಿಧ ರಾಜ್ಯಗಳ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ನಿಗಮಗಳ ಹಣಕಾಸು ಸ್ಥಿತಿ ಸದೃಢವಾಗಿಲ್ಲ. ಈ ಸಂಬಂಧ ಮುಂದಿನ 20 ದಿನಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಎಲ್ಲ ರಾಜ್ಯಗಳ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್ಛಕ್ತಿ ನಿಯಂತ್ರಣ ಆಯೋಗಗಳ ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷರ ಸಭೆ ಕರೆದು ಚರ್ಚಿಸಲಾಗುವುದು

-ವೀರಪ್ಪ ಮೊಯ್ಲಿ

Udayavani (http://www.udayavani.com/news/176032L15-%E0%B2%95%E0%B2%B2-%E0%B2%B2-%E0%B2%A6-%E0%B2%A6%E0%B2%B2--%E0%B2%B2--%E0%B2%95-%E0%B2%9C--%E0%B2%97--%E0%B2%B0-%E0%B2%9C-%E0%B2%AF-%E0%B2%B8%E0%B2%B0-%E0%B2%95-%E0%B2%B0-%E0%B2%86%E0%B2%B8%E0%B2%95-%E0%B2%A4--%E0%B2%A4-%E0%B2%B0%E0%B2%B2-.html)

Bangalore, Aug 12, 2012, DHNS :

Asks State to arrange for transmission

Union Power Minister M Veerappa Moily on Sunday said the Centre is ready to provide additional 1,500 mega watt (MW) of power if the State government ensures availability of transmission lines connecting the Central grid with the State.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a backward classes awareness conference, he said the Centre can provide additional power in a week’s time to the State if the lines are made available.

“The State should provide the transmission lines. The Centre cannot interfere in this regard,” he added.

Energy Minister Shobha Karandlaje had recently said the State was facing power supply shortage due to drought. The State was running short of 1,000 MW during peak hour. She had urged the Centre to provide additional power from the Central grid to tide over the crisis in the State.

Moily further said the State would not have faced this situation if it had anticipated the problem and taken precautionary steps.

“The State Energy Minister (Shobha) has apprised me about the situation in the State. We are exploring all possibilities to help the State,” he stated.

Meeting soon

He further said he will soon convene a meeting of electricity regulatory commission chairmen of all States in New Delhi to discuss measures to be taken to strengthen the distribution system and cutting the high transmission and distribution (T&D) losses.

The Centre needs to take many steps to strengthen the T&D system in view of high demand for power.

“If the T&D system in states is not strengthened, it cannot absorb whatever power we supply through the national grid,” he said.

He said most power utilities of States are financially not viable. They are not in a position to purchase power even if it is available. Hence, they depend upon the Centre for power.
The Minister also said the aggregate transmission and distribution losses in states range between 12.5 per cent and 40 per cent.

“Ultimately, it should not exceed 7.5 per cent. Why should it be so high?...Average transmission and distribution losses of the nation is 27 per cent. We need to curtail that,” he stated, adding that he will address the problems in a phased manner.

DHNS (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/271179/moily-promises-1500-mw-more.html)

Each village can generate 5 MW of power, says Bommai

Taking a cue from the Gujarat government, the Irrigation Department in the State has decided to go in for solar power generation to meet its power needs.

Minister for Water Resources Basavaraj Bommai told presspersons here on Wednesday that under this scheme, the department would install solar panels on irrigation canals and use the power generated to lift the water from the canals.

This would ensure power round the clock for irrigation purposes. Each village could generate 5 MW of power, which would also be sufficient to illuminate houses and for agricultural purposes, he said.

Mr. Bommai said the State government had sent a team to Gujarat some time ago to study the pros and cons of the project. A private firm would install and maintain the panels.

Yadgir, Raichur and Bijapur districts would be the first to benefit from this initiative, with solar panels installed along 10,000 km of the canals. Later, it would be extended to other districts, the Minister said.

A meeting of the Kalasa Banduri legal cell had been called in New Delhi on August 18. Work at the site would begin from September 6, Mr. Bommai said.

The government had accepted the recommendations of the Dr. Paramasiva Committee, which conducted a study on the Bennihalla. Removal of silt and clearing of encroachments along the Bennihalla would be completed by December, he added.

* Power to be used to illuminate houses and for agricultural purposes

* Panels to be installed along 10,000 km of canals in Yadgir, Raichur and Bijapur districts

TH (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/article3777562.ece)

If 1 MW is produced per 5 km then for 10,000 km 2,000 MW could be produced.

Published: Saturday, Aug 25, 2012, 12:33 IST
By M Raghuram | Place: Mangalore | Agency: DNA

The Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) will soon go Kolkata way where a smart grid will take over the electricity distribution, shut offs and management. Bescom will be the first Escom to bring down the transmission losses from 22% to single digit.

“If everything goes according to plans, Bangalore city and the Bescom area will switch over to the smart grid in a year. We have studied the models of smart grid in Kolkata and Delhi but found the Kolkata model more proficient and our engineers are working on that model. But we need to make several changes which will take us one step ahead in technology integration,” state energy minister, Shobha Karandlaje, said. “But just by smart grid one cannot say the transmission losses will come down. We need to have several other equipment, including cables and transformers, to put smart grid into action. The smart grid will manage the distribution of power to all areas coming under Bescom,” she added.

She said Karnataka produces 1,950 MW of wind power at peak load level but in the last two days the productiondropped to just 20 MW due to sudden loss of wind in areas where wind power is produced. Efforts are on to find more wind power production sites in Bangalore.

The state is also facing problems in ‘wheeling in’ the power from northern grid due to non availability of corridors. This concern has been told to the Central government but things have not improved. One of the corridors which the state government had created was between Nandikuru in Udupi district to Shantigrama in Hassan district through the Western Ghats which was the main corridor to evacuate power produced by the Udupi Power Corporation Limited.

DNA (http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_mangalore-to-switch-over-to-smart-grid-in-a-year_1732517)

Published: Saturday, Aug 25, 2012, 13:47 IST
By DNA Correspondent | Agency: DNA

The Udupi Power Corporation Limited promoted by Lanco is set to launch the second unit which will commence production officially in less than three days, wheeling out 600 MW into the southern grid.

“We’ve already started producing power to the full installed capacity of the new unit and the results have been highly satisfactory. The synchronisation of power was done successfully into the wheeling facility. We’ve also maintained the standards prescribed by the Karnataka Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) by containing the sulfur using imported coal,” said Panduranga Rao, chief operating officer of Lanco.

“The state-of-the-art flue-gas de-sulfurisation plant has successfully isolated the sulfur in the process of burning coal. As a result, the fly ash is nearly clean of all effluents. A portion of the fly ash is used as additive for road construction material and for manufacturing cement,” Rao said.

Brushing aside the chances of marine pollution due to the discharge of water into the sea after the cooling process, Rao said no river water or ground water will be used during any stage of production.

The huge volumes of sea water used for cooling process will be let into the sea with the same level of salinity, but the water will be warm up to 5 degree centigrade which is negligible, he said.
However, environmental activists are caught off guard by the announcement on the second unit.

Vijay Hegde and Vidya Dinakar, who had campaigned against the plant, said they did not have any information about the commencement of the production.

The additional burning of coal will prove disastrous for human habitation in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts, they said.
They are planning to revive the struggle against the plant.
The plant is set up close to the Western Ghats and the sea. Farmers and fishermen had objected to the setting up of such a large thermal power project there.

Things moved in favour of the plant only after agreed with the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board to strictly maintain global environmental standards.

According to the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), the state will have to share 20% of the thermal power produced within its territory with Punjab in accordance with the power purchase agreement (PPA).

According to the agreement, the company will have to sell each unit of electricity at `4.25 per unit.

DNA (http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_from-udupi-some-good-news-on-the-power-front_1732532)

http://www.deccanheraldepaper.com/pdf/2012/09/02/20120902a_003103002.jpg

Bijapur village to get 500mw solar park (http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_bijapur-village-to-get-500mw-solar-park_1736148)

Desperate to tide over the power crisis, the state government is now gearing up to tap solar power in a big way. A Solar Park with a potential to generate up to 500mw of power will be developed near Mannur village in Bijapur district.

Energy minister Shobha Karandlaje on Sunday said that the Solar Park will come up in an area spread over 5,000 acres of land. The minister was speaking after inaugurating a 3mw solar power plant at Yapaladinni in Raichur.

Land acquisition process for the proposed Solar Park had been initiated and the 5,000 acres of land will be handed over to Karnataka Power Corporation, she said.

The Solar park, planned on the lines of the one being developed in Gujarat, will have potential to generate about 500mw of power with investments from theprivate sector. According to sources in the energy department, the location is ideal for the Solar Park as the area gets over 300 days of sunshine.

The Solar Park will provide all infrastructure facilities for private investors interested to set up their solar power panels with facility for evacuating power into the grid.

The project would be developed in phased manner. If all goes according to plan, work on the project is expected to start by the end of this year and completed in 18 months.

It is expected to start with capacity of about 100mw and gradually increase the capacity. Karnataka, which has announced an exclusive Renewable Energy Policy 2009-14, has planned to add 4300mw from renewable sources of energy in the next two years involving an investment of over Rs23,000 crore.

http://www.deccanheraldepaper.com/pdf/2012/09/03/20120903a_002103003.jpg

Pm News Bureau
Thursday, August 30, 2012, 12:01 Hrs [IST]

US- based Composite Global Energy Ltd (CGEL) is planning to build LNG terminal in Karnataka government has reportedly given a nod to the project. The project is likely to come up at Mangalore where exploration major ONGC too has shown interest to set up LNG import terminal.

When contacted, J Jayer Thack, Chairman, Composite Global Energy LTd, Ohio, USA, chose to play it safe by saying, “We have submitted the project details to Karnataka Government which we want to implement. The project will supply gas to the state and its people”.

"We have actually signed an expression of interest in recently held global investors meet for supply of gas which will have an investment of $4 billion in LNG facilities such as a regassification plant near Mangalore or any other area, that would be found suitable for the project," said Jayer Thack. According to the company sources a minimum of 80 acres of land may be required for the project.

The deal is being negotiated by Power Company of Karnataka Limited (PCKL) and Composite Global Energy Ltd(CGEL) for setting up LNG terminal and Composite Global has agreed to provide gas at a fixed price for 20 years.

The company has also taken up plans to supply gas to Bidadi and Taladi Power plants for which the Karnataka government had signed an agreement with CGEL, explained the sources.

Project Monitor (http://www.projectsmonitor.com/OILGAS/cgel-to-build-4-billion-lng-terminal-in-karnataka)

I think it is Tadadi instead of Taladi. (Bidadi rhymes well with Tadadi as per English spelling but not as per pronunciation). Check GIM Karnataka (http://gimkarnataka.blogspot.in/2012/06/us-firm-to-supply-gas-to-bidadi-plan.html).

An old news states that ONGC in talks with Mitsui for LNG terminal at Mangalore (http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-06-06/news/32079115_1_lng-terminal-lng-import-petronet-lng). But now, it will be Composite Global Energy Ltd (CGEL)?

Poojary: UPCL must put in place all environmental safeguards‎ (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mangalore/article3858100.ece)
Karnataka Cabinet allows Udupi Power Corp to buy imported coal (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/government-and-policy/article3812170.ece?ref=wl_industry-and-economy)

‘It’ll help easy power transmission from one region to another’

The southern region, including Karnataka, will be integrated with a full-fledged national power grid by January 2014, according to Union Power Minister M. Veerappa Moily.

Addressing a programme after inaugurating a grid-connected roof-top solar plant at the BMRDA building in Bangalore taken up with the help of the contribution from Rajya Sabha member B. Jayashree made from her MP’s Local Area Development Scheme, Mr. Moily said such an integration would help easy transmission of power from one region to another.

This is expected to give impetus to grid-connected solar power generation also, he noted.

Pointing out that fossil fuels were fast depleting, the Minister said renewable energy was the only hope for the energy sector in the coming years.

He said the country had set a target of setting up solar power plants with a total capacity of 20,000 MW through the Jawaharlal Nehru Solar Mission.

He called upon Karnataka to increase its solar energy generation in a bid to move up from the present third position to second in the country in terms of the extent of tapping solar power.

Energy Minister Shobha Karandlaje said the government was planning to make it mandatory for all pumps which were being used to lift groundwater from a depth of not more than 250 feet to switch over to solar power.

The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article3876430.ece)

In case grid fails even southern states will suffer now. Karnataka government may be trying to protect Bengaluru from grid failure by having a dedicated gas based power plant at Bidadi. But, how other parts of the state are protected from grid failures?

Karnataka to get power from Kudankulam

New Delhi, Sep 8, 2012, DHNS:
The Centre has turned down Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalitha’s demand for more than the allotted share of 925 MW from the Kudankulam nuclear power plant (KNPP) and said the state will have to share power with Karnataka and othe states.

While Karnataka will get 442 MW, the share of Kerala and Puducherry will be 266 and 67 MW respectively, Minister of State for Power K C Venugopal informed the Lok Sabha on Friday.The sharing formula was decided in February 2004.

On Jayalalitha’s demand for supplying the entire power from Kudankulam project to Tamil Nadu, the minister said each state’s quota had been specified and based on the guidelines for allocation of power from central sector generating stations.

The Kudankulam nuclear power plant will have two Russian origin nuclear power plants of 1000 MW capacity each in the first phase. Karnataka, Kerala and Puducherry will get their share of power from the nuclear plant, whereas much of 300 MW has been left unallocated, which will go to the central pool.

After a year of intense anti-nuclear protests, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd plans to make the first unit at Kudankulam operational by September 2012 and the second unit by March 2013.

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/277457/karnataka-get-power-kudankulam.html

Karnataka’s longest double-circuit power line to be inaugurated tomorrow (http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/karnataka/article3882663.ece)

The 186-km state-of-the-art 400 kV power transmission line connecting Udupi and Shantigrama of Hassan district, that is set for formal inauguration on Wednesday, is not only a landmark for the State in terms of technical parameters, but is also poised to improve voltage situation in the districts of Mysore and Hassan, besides some parts of Bangalore.

This is because Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited will now be able to transmit an additional 600 MW of power to the State grid from the second unit of Udupi Power Company Limited with the help of this new line, built at a cost of nearly Rs. 400 crore.

The new line is the longest transmission line in the State having a double-circuit quad moose conductor that will help in quality transmission of high-volume power at low loss level, according to Energy Minister Shobha Karandlaje. As the line has a double circuit, the reliability of transmission is also high, as even if one circuit fails, the other will take the additional transmission load preventing any tripping, she noted.

Ms. Karandlaje told The Hindu that construction of this line was a challenge as it had to pass through difficult terrain of Malnad region which did not have roads. In all, 530 transmission towers with a height of 46 metres have been erected to support this line.

“The foundation was so huge that it took 75 lorry loads of concrete for erecting each tower. As vehicles could not reach the construction spot, the construction material as well as parts of tower that together accounted for about 100 lorry loads had to be manually transported for a distance of 0.5 km to 1 km,” sources said.

Pointing out that the new line, which will transmit 1,200 MW of power from the two units of UPCL, has actually got capacity to transmit 2,000 MW, Ms. Karandlaje said the additional transmission capacity would help evacuation of power from the new wind and mini-hydel projects coming up near the areas where the line passes through.

In addition to crossing several legal hurdles, approval was also taken from grama sabhas of 37 village panchayats for setting up this line, she noted.

Vartha Bharathi E-Paper (http://vbepaper.com/Details.aspx?id=4272&boxid=162912916&uid=&dat=9/11/2012)

http://vbepaper.com/epaperimages/1192012/1192012-md-hr-5/162912916.JPG

Karnataka’s longest double-circuit power line to be inaugurated tomorrow (http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/karnataka/article3882663.ece)

Pointing out that the new line, which will transmit 1,200 MW of power from the two units of UPCL, has actually got capacity to transmit 2,000 MW, Ms. Karandlaje said the additional transmission capacity would help evacuation of power from the new wind and mini-hydel projects coming up near the areas where the line passes through.


But, I think additional capacity is for evacuating power from the proposed second plant.

Udupi Power to invest Rs 6,930 cr on second plant (http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/udupi-power-to-invest-rs-6930-crsecond-plant/407093/)

I think also 450 acres additional land has to be acquired for this new plant.

ರಾಜ್ಯದ ಅತಿ ಉದ್ದದ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಮಾರ್ಗ ಲೋಕಾರ್ಪಣೆ
ಶೀಘ್ರ 1100 ಮೆವ್ಯಾ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್*: ಶೋಭಾ
2400 ಮೆ.ವ್ಯಾ. ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಪೂರೈಕೆ ಮಾಡುವ ಯೋಜನೆ

Udayavani | Sep 12, 2012
ಹಾಸನ: ಉಡುಪಿಯ ನಂದಿಕೂರಿನಿಂದ ಹಾಸನದ ಶಾಂತಿಗ್ರಾಮದವರೆಗೆ 180 ಕಿ.ಮೀ. ಜೋಡಿ ಮಾರ್ಗದಲ್ಲಿ 2400 ಮೆಗಾವ್ಯಾಟ್* ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಸರಬರಾಜು ಮಾಡುವ 657 ಕೋಟಿ ರೂ. ವೆಚ್ಚದ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಮಾರ್ಗವನ್ನು ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರಕ್ಕೆ ಬುಧವಾರ ಸಮರ್ಪಿಸಲಾಯಿತು.

ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿ ಜಗದೀಶ್* ಶೆಟ್ಟರ್* ಅನುಪಸ್ಥಿತಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮಾಜಿ ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿ ಬಿ.ಎಸ್*. ಯಡಿಯೂರಪ್ಪ, ಇಂಧನ ಸಚಿವೆ ಶೋಭಾ ಕರಂದ್ಲಾಜೆ, ಜೆಡಿಎಲ್*ಪಿ ನಾಯಕ ಎಚ್*.ಡಿ. ರೇವಣ್ಣ ಬುಧವಾರ ಲೋಕಾರ್ಪಣೆ ಮಾಡಿದರು.

ಈ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ಮಾತನಾಡಿದ ಇಂಧನ ಸಚಿವೆ ಶೋಭಾ ಕರಂದ್ಲಾಜೆ, ಈ ವರ್ಷ ಹೊಸದಾಗಿ ಬಳ್ಳಾರಿ ಉಷ್ಣ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಸ್ಥಾವರದ 2ನೇ ಘಟಕದಿಂದ 500 ಮೆ.ವ್ಯಾ, ಉಡುಪಿ ಘಟಕದ 2ನೇ ಘಟಕದಿಂದ 600 ಮೆ.ವ್ಯಾ. ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ರಾಜ್ಯದ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಜಾಲಕ್ಕೆ ಶೀಘ್ರವೇ ಸೇರ್ಪಡೆಯಾಗಲಿದೆ ಎಂದರು.

ಯಡ್ಲಾಪುರ ಉಷ್ಣ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಘಟಕ, ಛತ್ತೀಸ್*ಗಡದ ಉಷ್ಣ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಘಟಕಗಳ ಕಾಮಗಾರಿಗಳೂ ನಡೆಯುತ್ತಿವೆ. ಗುಂಡ್ಯ ಜಲ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಯೋಜನೆಯ ಮೊದಲ ಘಟಕಕ್ಕೆ ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಸರ್ಕಾರದ ಮಂಜೂರಾತಿ ದೊರಕಿದೆ. 110 ವರ್ಷ ಹಳೆಯ ಶಿಂಷಾ ಜಲ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಘಟಕ ವಿಸ್ತರಣಾ ಯೋಜನೆಯಿಂದ 345 ಮೆ.ವ್ಯಾ. ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಉತ್ಪಾದಿಸುವ ಚಿಂತನೆ ನಡೆಸಲಾಗಿದೆ ಎಂದರು.

http://124.124.66.69/udayavani/udayavani_cms/gall_content/2012/9/2012_9$advtcontent112_Sep_2012_230343503.jpg

ಸಮಾರಂಭದಲ್ಲಿ ಮಾತನಾಡಿದ ಮಾಜಿ ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿ ಯಡಿಯೂರಪ್ಪ, 5 ವರ್ಷದೊಳಗೆ 5000 ಮೆ.ವ್ಯಾ. ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಹೊಸದಾಗಿ ಉತ್ಪಾದಿಸುವುದಾಗಿ ಬಿಜೆಪಿ ಪ್ರಣಾಳಿಕೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಹೇಳಿದ್ದು, ಈಗಾಗಲೇ 4060 ಮೆ.ವ್ಯಾ. ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಉತ್ಪಾದಿಸಿ ಭರವಸೆ ಈಡೇರಿಸಿದೆ ಎಂದರು.

ನಂದಿಕೂರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಉಡುಪಿ ಪವರ್* ಕಾರ್ಪೋರೇಷನ್* ಲಿಮಿಟೆಡ್* (ಯುಪಿಸಿಎಲ್*) ಶಾಖೋತ್ಪನ್ನ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಉತ್ಪಾದನಾ ಘಟಕದಿಂದ ಹಾಸನ ತಾಲೂಕು ಶಾಂತಿಗ್ರಾಮದಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಕೇಂದ್ರ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಗ್ರಿಡ್*ಗೆ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ರವಾನಿಸಲಾಗುವುದು. ಅಲ್ಲಿಂದ ಅಕ್ಕ ಪಕ್ಕದ ಜಿಲ್ಲೆಗಳಿಗೆ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ವಿತರಣೆಯಾಗಲಿದೆ. ಇದು ರಾಜ್ಯದ ಅತಿ ಉದ್ದದ, ಅತಿ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ರವಾನಿಸುವ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಮಾರ್ಗವಾಗಿದೆ. ಯುಪಿಸಿಎಲ್*ಉತ್ಪಾದಿಸುವ ಶೇ.80 ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ರಾಜ್ಯವು ಖರೀದಿಸಲಿದ್ದು, ಇನ್ನುಳಿದ ಶೇ.20 ಪಂಜಾಬ್*ಗ ರವಾನೆಯಾಗಲಿದೆ.

ನಾಲ್ಕು ವರ್ಷದಲ್ಲಿ ಒಂದೂ ಯೋಜನೆ ಇಲ್ಲ: ರೇವಣ್ಣ

ರಾಜ್ಯ ಸರ್ಕಾರ ಮತ್ತು ಇಂಧನ ಇಲಾಖೆ ಕಳೆದ 4 ವರ್ಷದಲ್ಲಿ ಭಾರೀ ಸಾಧನೆ ಮಾಡಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಹೇಳಿಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದ ಯಡಿಯೂರಪ್ಪ ಮತ್ತು ಕರಂದ್ಲಾಜೆ ಅವರನ್ನು ಎಚ್*.ಡಿ.ರೇವಣ್ಣ ವೇದಿಕೆಯಲ್ಲೇ ತರಾಟೆಗೆ ತೆಗೆದುಕೊಂಡರು.

ಕಳೆದ 4 ವರ್ಷಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಒಂದೇ ಒಂದು ಹೊಸ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಯೋಜನೆಯನ್ನು ಆರಂಭಿಸಿದ್ದರೆ ಶೋಭಾ ಹೇಳಲಿ. ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಯೋಜನೆಗಳಿಗೆ ತಾವು ಇಂಧನ ಸಚಿವನಾಗಿದ್ದಾಗ ಮಂಜೂರಾತಿ ನೀಡಿ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಖರೀದಿ ಒಪ್ಪಂದ ಮಾಡಿಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದೆ. ಈಗ ಇದೇ ಯೋಜನೆಗಳನ್ನು ಉದ್ಘಾಟನೆ ಮಾಡಿ 4 ವರ್ಷದ ಸಾಧನೆ ಎಂದು ಹೇಳಿಕೊಳುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ ಎಂದು ತರಾಟೆಗೆ ತೆಗೆದುಕೊಂಡರು. ಇದಕ್ಕೆ ಯಡಿಯೂರಪ್ಪ ಅವರಾಗಲಿ, ಶೋಭಾ ಅವರಾಗಲಿ ಪ್ರತಿಕ್ರಿಯೆ ನೀಡದೆ ಇದ್ದುದು ವಿಶೇಷವಾಗಿತ್ತು.

ಉದಯವಾಣಿ (http://www.udayavani.com/news/188116L15-%E0%B2%B6-%E0%B2%98-%E0%B2%B0-1100-%E0%B2%AE-%E0%B2%B5-%E0%B2%AF--%E0%B2%B5-%E0%B2%A6-%E0%B2%AF-%E0%B2%A4----%E0%B2%B6-%E0%B2%AD-.html)

Which are the projects implemented to produce 4060 MW?

Deccan Herald epaper
http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/6149/dh4t.jpg

Udupi Power Corporation Limited power line to meet 33% of Karnataka’s energy needs (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mangalore/Udupi-Power-Corporation-Limited-power-line-to-meet-33-of-Karnatakas-energy-needs/articleshow/16379213.cms)

MANGALORE: With the state's longest transmission line inaugurated on Wednesday by chief minister Jagadish Shettar, power woes of Karnataka will be eased by as much as 33%.

The transmission line from Udupi to (Shanthigrama) Hassan will evacuate power from the 1200 MW Thermal Power Plant Udupi Power Corporation Limited (UPCL), which hitherto was a problem. The 400 KV line which is 186 km in length cost Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation (KPTC) Rs 400 crore.

Sources said though the Phase II of UPCL generating 600 MW was ready almost a year back, the state government had not given the go ahead for commissioning it as it meant coughing up deemed generation charges of nearly Rs 2 crore per day.

Even though there existed only a 220 KV line which could take only 220 MW, nearly 600 MW was being evacuated from UPCL. It sometimes tripped the grid.

UPCL has started using the 400 KV line about a fortnight back without any hitches. Kishore Alva, vice-president, UPCL, told TOI, "The state will get 1200 MW of power which will meet 33% of the energy needs of the state. About 8.3% will be used by Mangalore Electricity Supply Company (Mescom)."

Due to its mega power project status it has to supply 10% of the total power generated to another state, in this case - Punjab. "As of now the entire 1200 MW will be used by the state and Punjab will be given power as and when it needs it,'' he added.

^^

I think power cuts have already started in Mangaluru which was getting almost 24 hours non-stop supply after commencing of UPCL.

^^^^

I think to fulfill the election promise (1) Karnataka's total power production should be increase by 5000 MW in BJP's 5 year rule. (2) Construction of additional 5000 MW power projects should have been started during this period.

Of course, if BJP ruling period itself 5000 MW projects initiated and started production would have made it a very good performance. Nonetheless even adding additional 5000 MW for which works are initiated by previous government is also okay performance.

B.S. Satish Kumar

* Delay in coal linkage forces State to try alternative

Concerned over the inordinate delay in getting coal linkage from the Centre for its innovative pit-head power plant proposed to be set up in Chhattisgarh, Karnataka has decided to make an alternative arrangement. Accordingly, it is getting ready to take up the project on a joint venture basis with the Chhattisgarh government instead of waiting for the Centre’s coal.

Disclosing this to The Hindu , Energy Minister Shobha Karandlaje said: “Chhattisgarh has a dedicated coal mine for power projects. We came to know that coal availability in this State is higher than its requirement. Hence we decided to use this opportunity to ensure that our project — which has been waiting for coal linkage for the last three-and-a-half years — sees the light of the day.”

Discussions

She said Chhattisgarh had responded positively to the proposal and talks were in the final stages. “I have held a few rounds of discussions with Chhattisgarh authorities while Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar discussed the issue with his Chhattisgarh counterpart Raman Singh during his recent visit to Delhi.”

But this would change the nature of the original project as the State is now proposing to set up a generating unit with a capacity of only 600 MW as against the earlier plans of setting up two generating units of 800 MW each in the first the phase. Besides, the power has to be equally shared between both the States.

“To begin with, we will set up a unit with 600 MW. As and when we get coal linkage from the Centre, we will set up the generating units with a capacity of 800 MW each,” Ms. Karandlaje said.

However, once both the States formally agree to this joint venture project, a fresh tender would have to be called to execute the project, she pointed out.

It may be noted that Karnataka entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Chhattisgarh government for setting up this plant by the State-held Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd. on September 8, 2008 itself. The civil works were supposed to commence by March 2009 and the two units with a capacity of 800 MW each were to be commissioned by March/April 2013. But it is a matter of irony that the civil works are yet to start despite Karnataka getting 1,260 acres of land required for the project, as norms stipulate that no such work could be taken up before getting environmental clearance. However, environmental clearance could be obtained only after getting coal linkage.

Trendsetter

Karnataka’s Chhattisgarh power project had attracted the attention of the country as it was a trendsetter project that would reduce the cost of power generation by locating the power plant near the coal mine to reduce transportation cost. Instead of transporting coal, the power generated by this plant was to be transmitted to Karnataka.

According to original estimates, the power to be generated by the Chhattisgarh plant was expected to be around Rs. 2.40 a unit against Rs. 4 a unit if the thermal plant was to be set up in Karnataka.

* Delay in coal linkage forces State to try alternative
* Its generating capacity will now be only 600 MW

TH (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article3905692.ece)

dupi Power commissions 600 Mw plant (http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/udupi-power-commissions-600-mw-plant/486742/)

Udupi Power Corporation Limited (UPCL), a subsidiary of Lanco Infratech Ltd, has commenced commercial operation of its second unit of 600 Mw in Udupi district of Karnataka. The company had synchronised the second unit a month ago with the grid and was waiting for the completion of 400 Kv transmission line between Nandikur and Hassan.

According to Panduranga Rao, Director and CEO, UPCL, the power project was completed about one and a half years ago and there was no evacuation of power due to the absence of 400 Kv transmission line. UPCL has set up a 1,200 Mw (600x2) thermal power project at Nandikur in Udupi district at a cost of Rs 5,800 crore. About 76 per cent of the project cost is debt borrowed from a consortium of bankers and financial institutions led by Power Finance Corporation (PFC).

The 180 km long Transmission Line set up at a cost of Rs 560 crore was dedicated to the nation on September 12, 2012. Presently, both the units of the Project are in Operation and an average of 1,100 Mw of power is supplied to Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) grid at Hassan. The company is supplying power at Rs 3.15 per unit to the state as per the power purchase agreement signed between the company and the state government.
UPCL is the first thermal power project in Karnataka that uses imported coal. It imports coal from a consortium of coal companies in Indonesia through New Mangalore Port.

According to energy department sources, Karnataka is currently procuring 750 Mw of power every day from private producers to tide over the shortage in the state.

The total installed capacity of power in the state amounts to 12,511 Mw and the demand for power is increasing an average 10-15 per cent per annum. The total electricity supply made available in the state during 2010-11 procured from various sources was 47,270 million units. Recent data suggests that electricity supply up to the end of December 2011 was 29,376 million units.

The deficits in supply are being met through short term purchases from other states and also through energy exchange.

The short term import of energy during 2010-11 was 5757.47 million units and imports till December 2011 was 2,796.41 million units.

7 Oct, 2012, 02.14PM IST, Jaideep Shenoy,TNN

MANGALORE: Mangalore Electricity Supply Company (MESCOM) Ltd is all set to go green in powering up its corporate office at Paradigm Plaza at Attavar Balakrishna Shetty Circle here. The company that set new national benchmarks in successfully bring down transmission and distribution losses from 17.5% to 11.92% as of last year, has drawn up an ambitious plan to utilise solar power, thereby reducing dependency on grid power like other consumers.

The brainchild of former managing director Vijayanarasimha, the solar power project of the company has progressed to the stage where estimates are being prepared. The company will know the exact cost once the project comes to tender stage. As per the plan, the company intends to generate 25-KW of solar power, to meet the sanctioned load of corporate office. Any surplus power as per the plan will be ploughed back to the grid.

Vijayanarasimha, since posted as managing director, Karnataka Vidyuth Karkhane told TOI that there is enough space on the roof top of the corporate office where the solar panels can be accommodated. "We have had to make minor adjustments to building structure for it to take the load of solar panels to be set up on roof top," he said, adding that normally roof tops of buildings do not house additional heavy loads apart for water tank.

The architects have taken care of this aspect, Vijayanarasimha said, adding as and when load in corporate office dips, surplus power can be sent to the grid. This most importantly could be the first such endeavour among electricity supply companies in Karnataka where an Escom is using green power to power up its corporate office. Similar endeavour has been planned for KEB Engineers Association Hall at Kavoor with plans to generate 10-KW power.

ET (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/environment/developmental-issues/mangalore-electricity-supply-company-to-green-power-its-corporate-office/articleshow/16709548.cms)

Mangalore, Sept. 26:

Wind power generation has come down drastically in Karnataka, said State Energy Minister Shobha Karandlaje.

Speaking to presspersons on the sidelines of a function in Mangalore on Wednesday, she said that normally wind power generation will be at its peak from September to December.

The State, which has a capacity of around 2,500 MW of wind power generation, was getting around 1,300-1,400 MW a day till a few days ago.

Stating that it has come down drastically in the past 10 days, she said it has touched the level of 100-200 MW a day because of low wind velocity, she said.

“Last year we depended on wind power till December to tackle the power needs in the State,” Karandlaje said.
HYDEL generation

The Minister said a significant portion of Karnataka’s power needs is dependent on hydel power generation sources. The water storage in the Linganmakki dam is around 80 per cent now. It was around 96 per cent during the same period last year, she said.

The storage is around 56 per cent and 60 per cent in Mani and Supa dams, respectively, the Minister said.

To a query on the ways to tackle power situation in the State, Karandlaje said the Udupi Power Corporation Ltd’s second unit has been commissioned. This unit adds around 600 MW of power.

The second unit of thermal power station in Bellary will be commissioned by the end of this month. This unit will provide another 500 MW of power. The government is also hopeful of getting around 400 MW of power from other small units in the State.

Though the State wanted to purchase around 750 MW of power from other States, there is no corridor for that. “But we may get around 250 MW of power from Gujarat after January,” she said.

Asked if the State would resort to power cut, the Minister said no decision has been taken on that matter as of now.

BL (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/article3938812.ece)

Shobha predicts a shortfall of 2000 MW of power (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mangalore/shobha-predicts-a-shortfall-of-2000-mw-of-power/article3941729.ece)
Industry in Karnataka slams power cuts by BESCOM (http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-10-05/news/34279761_1_power-generation-power-situation-power-cuts)
Bangalore spared, rest of state faces power cuts (http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-09-30/bangalore/34177285_1_power-cuts-three-hour-power-power-generation)

All power transmission lines of Karnataka lead to Bengalore.

Moodubelle, 06 Oct 2012: An informative talk was given by Mr. Guruprasad Shetty, Area Manager SELCO SOLAR LIGHT Pvt. Ltd. At Jnanaganga PU College, Nellikatte on Thursday, October 4, 2012 at 3.15 pm

In his talk, Mr. Guruprasad Shety explained about the consumption and distribution of the power supplied by Karnataka Electricity Board. To maintain a balance of the power supply K E B resorts to power cut. In future it will be a must for the people to think and implement alternative power supply to become independent citizen. He gave information about the Lighting , LED lighting and the requirement for the installation. He cleared some of the doubts of the students.

Bellevision (http://www.bellevision.com/belle/index.php?action=topnews&type=4664)

http://www.deccanheraldepaper.com/pdf/2012/10/13/20121013a_002103004.jpg

‘Karnataka will be ‘powerful’ by 2016’



Power minister Shobha Karandlaje predicted that the state would be self-sufficient on the energy front by 2016. Speaking at an interaction at Federation of Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI), she said, “Work in Yermarus in Bellary (third) unit has already begun. The central government has promised coal linkage for it too. Tenders have also been called for 700 MW gas power project in Bidadi, which will be allotted within the next 20 days.”

Citing reasons for not paying enough attention to renewable sources of energy, she said, “The state generates maximum power from wind during September and January. But it is during May that the demand is more. We cannot solve all the problems with renewable alone.”

With the state’s hydel power almost coming to nil, she said, “There will be no more capacity in the state for hydel power. Once the new lines are laid for transfer of power between north and south of India, we are thinking of hydel power generation in northern states,” she said.

Speaking on the occasion, P Manivannan, managing director, Bangalore Electricity Supply Company, said: “To address the grievances of the industry, a separate cell at Bescom will be set where any one from the industry can go and complain and it will be addressed immediately.”

To bring in smart metering and making power transmission more effective and transparent, he said, “While work on installing smart meters on transformers is currently under way, we have now planned on smart grid as well. Within the next two months, we will be sending a report to the government of India to implement smart grid for Banaglore. We have estimated around `5,000 crore for this project.”

DNA (http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_karnataka-will-be-powerful-by-2016_1758514)

We have faith in you,hope you become the CM one day :cheers:

Bescom to go online for new connections

Bangalore, Oct 30, 2012, DHNS:
The Bangalore Electricity Supply Company will soon accept applications for new electricity connections online.

Addressing members of the Federation of Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FKCCI), Energy Minister Shobha Karandlaje on Tuesday said, “By December 15, we want to introduce a facility where people can apply online for new electricity connections. This will ensure quick processing and transparency. They will also be able to track the status of their request.” Besides, a counter will be set up, manned by an engineer, exclusively to address complaints.

The minister said steps were being taken to ensure uninterrupted power supply during summer. Noting that the supply on the national corridor would improve, Shobha said the Centre had promised that Karnataka would be able to get electricity from the North, East and West grids.

“We have been told that Kudankulam nuclear plant will begin production by December and this will ensure availability of 205-220 MW. All the thermal units in the State, shut down for maintenance, will be ready for production,” she said.

Karandlaje said four companies had evinced interest in the Bidadi gas plant and technical bids would be opened soon. As the Gas Authority of India Limited will not be supplying gas, Karnataka will buy gas in the international market on a spot-purchase basis.

DHNS (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/289013/bescom-go-online-connections.html)

Srinivas Sirnoorkar , Gulbarga, Oct 15, 2012, DHNS :

District has outstripped state average in number of bio-fuel plants
Bijapur can be counted as one of the few districts in the country to have taken up the cultivation of bio-fuel plants in a big way.

Some 64.7 lakh saplings of bio-fuel plants have been planted on large tracts of barren and gomala land and along farmland ridges in the district. The district hopes that the initiative will reduce its dependence on petroleum.

The effort has been so succesful that the Karnataka State Bio-Fuel Development Board, set up to implement the Karnataka State Bio- Fuel Policy, has been marketing the Bijapur model across the State.

The Chairperson of the Board, Y B Ramakrishna, lauded the three-tier Panchayat Raj system in the district for the successful implementation of the policy.

While addressing a divisional-level workshop for Grama Panchayat presidents and Panchayat Development Officers (PDOs) of Bidar, Gulbarga, Yadgir, Raichur, Koppal, and Bellary districts recently, he praised the combined efforts of the district administration, Non-Governmental Organisations and farmers for realising the importance of bio-fuel.

Under the Hasiru Honnu and Baradu Bangara schemes, the district has surpassed other districts in the State by planting the bio-fuel saplings — as against the State average of 43.64 lakh saplings, covering 29 districts.

Not far behind

The Karnataka Women’s University in Bijapur is not far behind in doing its bit towards conserving non-renewable energy sources.

It has set up a bio-fuel manufacture unit and is extracting bio-fuel from neem seeds on its campus. A demonstration model has also been established on the campus.

All the 199 Grama Panchayats in the district have been roped in to make bio-fuel policy a success.

Each Grama Panchayat, has set a target of cultivating 20,000 bio-fuel plants. The Board has also assured farmers that bio-fuel saplings would be sold at prescribed rates.

DHNS (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/285666/bijapur-leads-karnataka-bio-fuel.html)

J Abbas Mulla, TNN Nov 1, 2012, 06.19AM IST

HUBLI: Hubli-Electricity Supply Company (Hescom) will set up a consumer customer care center equipped with advanced Interactive Voice Recording System (IVRS) to deal with customers' problems pertaining to power supply in their respective areas.

In the first phase, centers will be set up in Belgaum, Bijapur and Dharwad district centres by December-end. This move is likely to bridge the gap between customers and Hescom officials. Any customer who is facing power problems in their area can call through the toll-free number to the center and lodge a complaint.

The nature of the complaint, name of complainant with his or her mobile number will be immediately transferred to the concerned section officer or engineer through text message. In turn, the officials will address the problems and complainant will also get immediate feedback. The customer can also get details about the status of their complaint. The centre will be attached with five linemen in three shifts everyday for each division. Linemen on duty will respond the complaint and give feedback to the centre, soon after receiving the complaint.

In the existing system, consumers in various districts inform or lodge the complaint orally to the linemen. Sometimes, linemen attend the complaints or ignore which damages the image of Hescom and causes inconvenience to customers. The customer care center is working from Hescom corporate office, situated in Hubli. From there it is difficult to monitor all complaints which cover seven districts under Hescom, said J L Belagali, executive engineer for the project.

Hescom IT department officials have chalked out the plan to set up the consumer customer care center and also contacted to the software companies to customize the software according to Hescom's needs. Speaking to TOI, Rajendra Cholan, MD, Hescom, said, "To reach the consumer in no time and give them a speedy and proper service, we have planned to install the costumer care centres in every district coming under Hescom. By setting up the centres, we can also monitor the staff and analyze the work of the staff, how they provide service, in what time they provide service and in how many days they respond to the complaints."

TOI (http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-11-01/hubli/34857017_1_hescom-customer-complaint)

ಗಾಳಿಯಿಂದ ಮನೆಯಲ್ಲೇ 250 ವ್ಯಾಟ್* ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಉತ್ಪಾದನೆ !!!
ಗಾಳಿಯಿಂದ ಮನೆಯಲ್ಲೇ 250 ವ್ಯಾಟ್* ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಉತ್ಪಾದನೆ !!!

http://sphotos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/530722_387380081339961_1034538223_n.jpg
ಹುಬ್ಬಳ್ಳಿ: ಕರೆಂಟ್* ಹೋದಾಗಲೆಲ್ಲ ಸೌರ, ಪದನ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಬಗೆಗೆ ಯೋಚಿಸುವ ಜನರ ಮನಸ್ಥಿತಿ ಕರೆಂಟ್* ಬಂದ ನಂತರ ಇರುವುದಿಲ್ಲ. ಪರ್ಯಾಯ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಮೂಲಗಳನ್ನು ಮರೆತು ತಮ್ಮ ದೈನಂದಿನ ಕೆಲಸಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ನಿರತರಾಗುವುದು ಸಹಜ. ಮತ್ತೆ ಕರೆಂಟ್* ಹೋದಾಗಲೇ ಅವರಿಗೆ ಸೌರ, ಪವನ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ನೆನಪಾಗುತ್ತದೆ. ಬೇಡಿಕೆ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿದಂತೆ ಉತ್ಪಾದನೆ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿಸಲು ಸಾಧ್ಯ ಆಗದ್ದರಿಂದ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಸಮಸ್ಯೆ ದಿನದಿನಕ್ಕೆ ಉಲ್ಬಣಿಸುತ್ತಿದೆ. ಇಲ್ಲೊಬ್ಬರು ಸೌರ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್*ನೊಂದಿಗೆ ಪವನ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್ತನ್ನೂ ಬಳಸಿಕೊಂಡು ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಕೊರತೆ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆಗೆ ಪರಿಹಾರ ಕಂಡುಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಇಲ್ಲಿನ ನವನಗರ ಸಮೀಪದ ನೀಲಗುಂದ ಲೇಔಟ್* ನಿವಾಸಿ ವಕೀಲ ಮೊದಮ್ಮದ್*ಅಲಿ ಎಂ. ಯಾದಿ, ತಮ್ಮ ಮನೆಯಲ್ಲೇ ಪವನ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಉತ್ಪಾದನೆ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಇವರ ಮನೆಯ ಛಾವಣಿ ಮೇಲೆ ನಿಲ್ಲಿಸಲಾದ ಪವನ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಘಟಕದಿಂದ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಉತ್ಪಾದನೆಯಾಗುತ್ತದೆ. ಮನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಟಿವಿ, ಕಂಪ್ಯೂಟರ್*, ಮಿಕ್ಸರ್*, ವಿದ್ಯುದ್ದೀಪ, ವಾಶಿಂಗ್* ಮಶಿನ್* ಮೊದಲಾದ ವಿದ್ಯುದುಪಕರಣಗಳಿಗೆ ಪವನ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್ತನ್ನೇ ಬಳಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ.

ಸೌರ ಫಲಕದಿಂದ 100 ವ್ಯಾಟ್* ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಉತ್ಪಾದನೆಯಾದರೆ ಗಾಳಿ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್*ನಿಂದ 250 ವ್ಯಾಟ್* ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಉತ್ಪಾದನೆಯಾಗುತ್ತದೆ. ಈ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಮನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಅಳವಡಿಸಲಾದ ಬ್ಯಾಟರಿಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಶೇಖರಣೆಯಾಗುತ್ತದೆ. ಶೇಖರಣೆಗೊಂಡ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಪ್ರಮಾಣವನ್ನು ಮೀಟರ್*ನಲ್ಲಿ ನೋಡಬಹುದು. ಬ್ಯಾಟರಿಗಳಲ್ಲಿನ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಮುಗಿದರೆ ಅಥವಾ ಬ್ಯಾಟರಿ ಸಾಮರ್ಥ್ಯಕ್ಕಿಂತ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿನ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಉಪಕರಣ ಬಳಸಿದರೆ ಸೈರನ್* ಮೊಳಗುತ್ತದೆ. ಗಾಳಿಯ ದಿಕ್ಕಿಗೆ ಅನುಗುಣವಾಗಿ ಚಕ್ರ ಕೂಡ ದಿಕ್ಕು ಬದಲಿಸುತ್ತದೆ. ನಿಯಂತ್ರಣ ಫಲಕ ಮತ್ತು ಪವನ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಘಟಕದಿಂದ ಹೆಸ್ಕಾಂ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್*ಗೆ ಸಂಪರ್ಕ ಪಡೆಯುವುದು ಅತಿ ಸುಲಭ. ಪರಿಸರ ಸ್ನೇಹಿ ಆಗಬೇಕೆನ್ನುವವರು, ತಾವು ಬಳಸುವ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್ತನ್ನು ತಾವೇ ತಯಾರಿಸುವ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಹೆಮ್ಮೆ ಹೊಂದಿದವರು ಸಣ್ಣ ಪುಟ್ಟ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆಗಳತ್ತ ತಲೆಕೆಡಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳುವುದಿಲ್ಲ.

ಧೈರ್ಯವಿದ್ದೆಡೆ ಯಶಸ್ಸು: ಸುಮಾರು 6-7 ತಿಂಗಳ ಹಿಂದೆ ಹುಬ್ಬಳ್ಳಿ ಗೋಕುಲ ಗಾರ್ಡನ್*ನಲ್ಲಿ ಸೌರ ಉಪಕರಣಗಳ ಪ್ರದರ್ಶನ ನಡೆಯಿತು. ಮೊಹಮ್ಮದ್*ಅಲಿ ಅಲ್ಲಿಗೆ ಭೇಟಿ ನೀಡಿದ್ದರು. ಅಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರದರ್ಶಿಸಲಾಗಿದ್ದ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನ ವಿನಾಯಕ ಇಂಧನ ತಂತ್ರಜ್ಞಾನ ಮಳಿಗೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮನೆಯ ಛಾವಣಿಗೆ ಚಕ್ರ ಜೋಡಿಸಿ ಪವನ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಉತ್ಪಾದಿಸುವ ಯಂತ್ರ ಇವರ ಗಮನ ಸೆಳೆಯಿತು. ಅದರ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣ ಮಾಹಿತಿ ಪಡೆದವರೇ ಖರೀದಿಸಲು ಮುಂದಾದರು. ಕೂಡಲೇ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಯವರನ್ನು ತಮ್ಮ ಮನೆಗೆ ಆಹ್ವಾನಿಸಿದರು. ಮೂರು ಬಾರಿ ವಿವಿಧ ಸಮಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಗಾಳಿಯ ವೇಗ ಪರೀಕ್ಷಿಸಿದ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಯವರು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಪವನ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಉತ್ಪಾದನೆ ಸಾಧ್ಯ ಎಂದರು. ಸುಮಾರು 35 ಸಾವಿರ ಖರ್ಚು ಮಾಡಿ ಯಂತ್ರ ಅಳವಡಿಸಿಕೊಂಡ ಯಾದಿ ಅವರು ಸದ್ಯ ಹೆಸ್ಕಾಂ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಬಳಕೆ ಕಡಿಮೆ ಮಾಡಿಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಇದರಿಂದ ಅವರ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಬಿಲ್*ನಲ್ಲಿ ಶೇ. 40ರಷ್ಟು ಉಳಿತಾಯವಾಗಿದೆ.

ಮನೆಯ ಅಗತ್ಯಕ್ಕೆ ಅನುಗುಣವಾಗಿ 250 ವ್ಯಾಟ್*ನಿಂದ 1 ಕಿಲೋವ್ಯಾಟ್* ವರೆಗೂ ಪವನ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಪಡೆಯಬಹುದು. ಬ್ಯಾಟರಿ ಭರ್ತಿಯಾದ ಕೂಡಲೇ ಚಕ್ರದಿಂದ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಸಂಪರ್ಕ ಕಡಿತಗೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತದೆ. ಚಕ್ರ ತಿರುಗಿದರೂ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆಯಿಲ್ಲ. ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಬಿಲ್* ಭೀತಿಯಿಂದ ಜನರು ರಾತ್ರಿ ಮನೆಯ ಪ್ರಾಂಗಣದ ದೀಪಗಳನ್ನು ಆರಿಸಿಬಿಡುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಆದರೆ ಯಾದಿಯವರ ಮನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮನೆಯ ಮುಂದೆ, ಹಿಂದೆ, ಅಕ್ಕ, ಪಕ್ಕದಲ್ಲಿ ಕೂಡ ರಾತ್ರಿಯಿಡೀ ದೀಪಗಳು ಉರಿಯುತ್ತವೆ. ಇದರಿಂದ ರಾತ್ರಿ ಮನೆಯ ಹತ್ತಿರ ಯಾರೇ ಬಂದರೂ ಗೊತ್ತಾಗುತ್ತದೆ.

ಇನ್ವರ್ಟರ್*ಗಳು, ಜನರೇಟರ್*ಗಳು ಪರ್ಯಾಯವಲ್ಲ: ವಿದ್ಯುತ್ತನ್ನೇ ಬಳಸುವ ಇನ್ವರ್ಟರ್*ಗಳಾಗಲಿ ಅಥವಾ ಡೀಸೆಲ್* ಬಳಸುವ ಜನರೇಟರ್*ಗಳಾಗಲಿ ಪರ್ಯಾಯ ಎಂದು ಪರಿಗಣಿಸುವವರೇ ಅಧಿಕ. ಆದರೆ ಇನ್ವರ್ಟರ್*ಗಳು ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಸರಬರಾಜನ್ನೇ ಅವಲಂಬಿಸುತ್ತವೆ. ಅದೇ ರೀತಿ ಜನರೇಟರ್*ಗಳು ಡೀಸೆಲ್* ಮೂಲಕ ನಡೆಯುತ್ತವೆ. ಸೌರ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಹಾಗೂ ಪವನ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಚಿಂತನೆ ಮಾಡುವುದು ಅಗತ್ಯ.

ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಪ್ರಸರಣ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಗಳ ವೈಫ*ಲ್ಯ: ಹೊಸದಾಗಿ ಮನೆ ಕಟ್ಟಿಕೊಳ್ಳುವವರು ಸೌರ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಬಳಕೆ ಮಾಡಿಕೊಳ್ಳಬೇಕು. ಕನಿಷ್ಠ ನೀರು ಬಿಸಿಮಾಡುವ ಸೌರ ಉಪಕರಣವನ್ನಾದರೂ ಅಳವಡಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳಬೇಕೆಂಬ ನಿಯಮವಿದ್ದರೂ ಸಮರ್ಪಕವಾಗಿ ಅನುಷ್ಠಾನವಾಗುತ್ತಿಲ್ಲ. ಅಧಿಕಾರಿಗಳ ಅಸಡ್ಡೆಯಿಂದಾಗಿ ನಿಯಮ ಉಲ್ಲಂಘನೆ ಆಗುತ್ತಿದೆ. ಸಮರ್ಪಕ ಅನುಷ್ಠಾನದಿಂದ ಸೌರ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಬಳಕೆ ಹೆಚ್ಚಬಹುದು.
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ನಾವು ಕೇವಲ ಮಾತಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಪರಿಸರ ಕಾಳಜಿ ತೋರಿದರೆ ಸಾಲದು, ಸೌರ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್*, ಪವನ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಬಳಕೆಗೆ ಮುಂದಾಗಬೇಕು. ಹಲವರು ನಮ್ಮ ಮನೆಗೆ ಬಂದು ಸಣ್ಣ ಪವನ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಯಂತ್ರ ವೀಕ್ಷಿಸುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಆದರೆ ಯಾರೂ ತಮ್ಮ ಮನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಅಳವಡಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳಲು ಮುಂದಾಗುವುದಿಲ್ಲ. ಇನ್ನಷ್ಟು ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಅಭಾವ ಉಂಟಾಗಿ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆ ಉಲ್ಬಣಗೊಂಡರೆ ಮಾತ್ರ ಜನರು ಈ ನಿಟ್ಟಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಚಿಂತಿಸಬಹುದು ಎನ್ನುತ್ತಾರೆ ನ್ಯಾಯವಾದಿ ಎಂ.ಎಂ. ಯಾದಿ.
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ಜನರ ಮನಸ್ಥಿತಿ ಬದಲಾಗದ ಹೊರತು ಪರಿಸ್ಥಿತಿ ಬದಲಾಯಿಸಲು ಸಾಧ್ಯವಿಲ್ಲ. ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಸಮಸ್ಯೆ ಬಿಗಡಾಯಿಸುತ್ತಿದೆ. ವರ್ಷಕ್ಕೆ ಕೇವಲ ಆರು ಸಬ್ಸಿಡಿ ಅಡುಗೆ ಅನಿಲ ಸಿಲೆಂಡರ್*ಗಳನ್ನು ಮಾತ್ರ ನೀಡಲು ಸರ್ಕಾರ ನಿರ್ಧರಿಸಿದೆ. ಇಂಥ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಾದರೂ ಜನರು ಪರ್ಯಾಯ ಮಾರ್ಗಗಳತ್ತ ವಿಚಾರ ಮಾಡಬೇಕು. ವಿಚಾರ ಕಾರ್ಯರೂಪಕ್ಕೆ ಇಳಿಯಬೇಕು. ಜಲವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಬಳಕೆ ಕಡಿಮೆ ಮಾಡುವ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಜನರಲ್ಲಿ ಜಾಗೃತಿ ಮೂಡಿಸುವ ಕಾರ್ಯ ಇನ್ನಷ್ಟು ತೀವ್ರಗೊಳ್ಳಬೇಕು ಎಂದು ಸೆಲ್ಕೋ ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥಾಪಕ ನಿರ್ದೇಶಕ ಹರೀಶ್* ಹಂದೆ ಹೇಳುತ್ತಾರೆ.
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ಚೀನಾ ಉತ್ಪನ್ನಗಳ ವೈಫ*ಲ್ಯ ---> ಸಸ್ತಾ ಉತ್ಪನ್ನಗಳ ದೈತ್ಯ ಚೀನಾ ಕೂಡ ಸಣ್ಣ ಪವನ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಯಂತ್ರಗಳನ್ನು ಮಾರುಕಟ್ಟೆಗೆ ಬಿಡುಗಡೆ ಮಾಡಿದೆ. ಆದರೆ ಅವು ಸಿದ್ಧ ಆಗಿರುವುದರಿಂದ ಅವು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಯಶಸ್ಸು ಕಂಡಿಲ್ಲ. ಗಾಳಿಯ ವೇಗ, ಸ್ಥಿತಿ-ಗತಿ, ಸಾಮರ್ಥ್ಯಕ್ಕೆ ಅನುಗುಣವಾಗಿ ಯಂತ್ರಗಳನ್ನು ರೂಪಿಸದಿರುವುದರಿಂದ ಅವು ವಿಫ*ಲಗೊಂಡಿವೆ ಎನ್ನುವ ದೂರುಗಳೂ ಇವೆ. ಹೀಗಾಗಿ ಖರೀದಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಎಚ್ಚರಿಕೆ ವಹಿಸಬೇಕಾಗಿದೆ.

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ಯುಪಿಸಿಎಲ್* ವಿಸ್ತರಣಾ ಘಟಕಗಳ ಯೋಜನೆ ಕೈಬಿಡಿ (http://www.udayavani.com/news/207128L15-%E0%B2%AF-%E0%B2%AA-%E0%B2%B8-%E0%B2%8E%E0%B2%B2---%E0%B2%B5-%E0%B2%B8-%E0%B2%A4%E0%B2%B0%E0%B2%A3--%E0%B2%98%E0%B2%9F%E0%B2%95%E0%B2%97%E0%B2%B3-%E0%B2%AF-%E0%B2%9C%E0%B2%A8--%E0%B2%95-%E0%B2%AC-%E0%B2%A1-.html)

ಜನಜಾಗೃತಿ ಸಮಿತಿಯಿಂದ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಸರಕಾರಕ್ಕೆ ಪತ್ರ

Udayavani | Nov 04, 2012

ಪಡುಬಿದ್ರಿ : ಸರಕಾರಿ ನೋಟಿಫಿಕೇಶನ್*ನ ಬಳಿಕ ಯೋಜನಾಪರ ಯಾವುದೇ ಬೆಳವಣಿಗೆಗಳಿಲ್ಲದೇ ಎರಡು ವರ್ಷಗಳ ಅವಧಿ ಮುಗಿದಿರುವುದರಿಂದ ಯುಪಿಸಿಎಲ್*ನ ಕಲ್ಲಿದ್ದಲು ಆಧಾರಿತ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್*ನ 3 ಹಾಗೂ 4ನೇ ವಿಸ್ತರಣಾ ಯೋಜನೆಯನ್ನು ರಾಜ್ಯ ಸರಕಾರ ಈ ಕೂಡಲೇ ಕೈಬಿಡಬೇಕೆಂದು ನಂದಿಕೂರು ಜನಜಾಗೃತಿ ಸಮಿತಿ ಗೌರವಾಧ್ಯಕ್ಷ, ಅನಿವಾಸಿ ಉದ್ಯಮಿ ಬಾಲಕೃಷ್ಣ ಶೆಟ್ಟಿ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಸರಕಾರದ ಮುಖ್ಯ ಕಾರ್ಯದರ್ಶಿಗೆ ಪತ್ರ ರವಾನಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ.

ಸರಕಾರ ಯುಪಿಸಿಎಲ್* 3ನೇ ಹಾಗೂ 4ನೇ ಯೋಜನೆಗಳನ್ನು ರದ್ದುಪಡಿಸಿರುವ ಕುರಿತು ಆದೇಶವೊಂದನ್ನು ಹೊರಡಿಸಬೇಕು. ಬಳಿಕ ಕೆಐಎಡಿಬಿಗೆ ಈ ಕುರಿತು ಯಾವುದೇ ಭೂಸ್ವಾಧೀನ ಮಾಡಿಕೊಳ್ಳದಂತೆ ಸೂಚನೆ ನೀಡಬೇಕು. ಹಾಗೆಯೇ ಕೆಐಎಡಿಬಿ ಈಗಾಗಲೇ ವಶಪಡಿಸಿಕೊಂಡು ಬಳಸದೇ ಇರುವ ಭೂಮಿಯನ್ನು ಆಯಾಯ ಪ್ರದೇಶಗಳ ರೈತರಿಗೆ ವಾಪಾಸು ನೀಡುವಂತೆ ಸರಕಾರ ಆದೇಶಿಸಬೇಕು ಎಂದು ಬಾಲಕೃಷ್ಣ ಶೆಟ್ಟಿ ತನ್ನ ಪತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ಮನವಿ ಮಾಡಿದ್ದಾರೆ.

ಮರಮಟ್ಟು ಕದ್ದ ಬಗೆಗೆ ತನಿಖೆಯಾಗಲಿ

ಯುಪಿಸಿಎಲ್* ಯೋಜನೆಗೆ ಸರಕಾರಿ ಭೂಮಿಯನ್ನು ಯಾವುದೇ ಅಧಿಸೂಚನೆಗಳಿಲ್ಲದೇ ನೀಡಿರುವುದು ಮತ್ತು ಇಂತಹ 390 ಎಕ್ರೆ ಸ್ಥಳಗಳಲ್ಲಿನ ಮರಮಟ್ಟುಗಳನ್ನು ಯೋಜನಾಪರರು ಕದ್ದಿರುವುದರ ಕುರಿತು ಇಲಾಖಾ ತನಿಖೆ ನಡೆಸಬೇಕಾಗಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಬಾಲಕೃಷ್ಣ ಶೆಟ್ಟಿ ಒತ್ತಾಯಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ.

...

The State Cabinet on Tuesday discussed the necessity of formulation of a consolidated solar energy policy to tap solar power in the State. The policy would be formulated by the Energy Department in consultation with Industry, Infrastructure, Water Resources and other departments.

Now, there was no uniform policy for promoting solar energy projects, Minister for Primary and Secondary Education Vishveshwara Hegde Kageri has said. The Cabinet has authorised the Industries Department to formulate guidelines for one-time settlement of pending dues to the government by 777 small units. The government gave loans to units under the Mysore State Aid to Industries Act, 1950, a few decades ago. The pending principal amount from these units was Rs. 56.85 lakh, while the interest amount was Rs. 1.93 crore, Mr. Kageri said.

TH (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/consolidated-solar-energy-policy-likely/article4072584.ece)

‘Land has been identified in Chincholi taluk for the park’

The State government has approved setting up solar parks in Gulbarga and Dharwad districts on a private-public participation model.

Sunil Valyapure, Minister for Infrastructure Development, told The Hindu here on Friday that while the solar park in Gulbarga district would be established in Chincholi taluk, the location for the one in Dharwad district was yet to be identified.

Mr. Valyapure said the cost of the projects would be known after the detailed project report (DPR) was prepared.

He added that the government was appointing consultants to prepare DPRs.

He said it had been originally proposed to establish 100 MW solar parks in both the districts; however, this had been scaled down to 50 MW each in the first phase.

The Minister also stated that there was a possibility of increasing the production capacity of the parks. The exact production capacity would be known after the DPRs were prepared and expressions of interest submitted by entrepreneurs and industries. The final approval would be announced after the preparation of DPRs.

Mr. Valyapure said the construction of a world convention centre near the Bengaluru International Airport was also being considered. Consultants had been appointed to prepare DPRs for final approval, he said.

Mr. Valyapure said a meeting between the Principal Secretary, Infrastructure Development, and the Principal Secretary, Ports, Union government, would be held to finalise the proposal for development of the Tadadi port on 500 acres of land on PPP basis.

* A final decision in this regard would be taken on November 26, he added.
* Original proposal was for 100 MW solar parks in both districts: Valyapure
* ‘Proposal for development of Tadadi port to be finalised on November 26’

TH (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/solar-parks-to-come-up-in-gulbarga-dharwad/article4083999.ece)

GE completes its first wind farm in India

CHENNAI, NOV 15:
The US headquartered multinational, GE, today announced the commissioning of the 25.5 MW Yelisurur project of Bhoruka Power Corporation in Karnataka.

In a press release, GE has termed the project its “launch site” for its 1.5 MW, 77-metre blade wind turbine. The company began supplying to the Rs 180-crore project 18 months ago.

The project will generate 62 million units of electricity per year, S Chandrasekhar, Managing Director, Bhoruka Power, told Business Line today. GE operates and maintains the wind farm.

The Hindu (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/ge-completes-its-first-wind-farm-in-india/article4098405.ece?homepage=true&ref=wl_home)

Karnataka seeks share of Kudankulam power (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mangalore/Karnataka-seeks-share-of-Kudankulam-power/articleshow/17232285.cms)

MANGALORE: After Kerala, Karnataka has jumped on to the bandwagon to seek what the state says is its due share of power generated at Kudankulam. A reported statement by Union minister for parliamentary affairs V Narayanaswamy that the entire power generated at Kudankulam will be given to Tamil Nadu has riled Minister for Power Shobha Karandlaje, who termed it a direct interference in the federal structure of governance.

Under the Gadgil formula, Karnataka and other southern States are eligible for a share of the power produced at the Kudankulam plant. As per the formula, Shobha told reporters here that in any centrally funded project, 50% of the power goes to the state where the project comes up and rest to the central grid to be given to neighbouring states. While Kerala is eligible for 133MW of power from the plant, Karnataka's share is 220-MW, she said.

Narayanaswamy had said that the entire 1,300-MW power generated at Kudankulam will be given to Tamil Nadu. The state government there had supported the first phase of agitation against the nuclear power plant. However, the TN government used its support to the agitation as a bargaining point to get concessions. There were reports that the Prime Minister had agreed to the terms set by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in this regard.

If the Centre concedes to demands of the Tamil Nadu government on Kudankulam power, Shobha said the state government will insist for a similar arrangement for entire power generated at Kaiga Generating Station (KGS) in Uttara Kannada district. At present, KGS, an atomic plant is generating 880-MW of power from each of its four units of 220-MW capacity and the fourth unit was connected to the Southern grid at 1.56am on January 19, 2011.

Karnataka Govt confident of smooth power supply in summer (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/states/karnataka-govt-confident-of-smooth-power-supply-in-summer/article4097918.ece)

MANGALORE, NOV 15:
The Karnataka Government is confident of smooth handling of power situation during summer.

Karnataka Power Minister, Shobha Karandlaje, expressed this view while laying the foundation stone for the new corporate office building of Mescom (Mangalore Electricity Supply Company) here on Thursday.

Demand for electricity has increased by 24 per cent in the past one year. (She said that the average increase in demand is 12-13 per cent at the national level). Added to this, the State has been facing severe drought.

Water storage in one of the major hydro-electric projects in the State — Linganamakki Dam — stands at 70 per cent this year. The storage was 96 per cent last year.

Keeping all these challenges in mind, the Karnataka Government has prepared plans for power supply during summer.

Explaining this, she said that the State can produce 31 million units of power a day from its hydel projects till June 15.

“Now we have power from other sources. So we are saving water in dams. If we use that from January-May we may not face any problem. There will not be any problem if we stick to our plan,” Karandlaje said.

“I assure the people of this State that we will handle power situation very smoothly during this summer also,” she said.

Bhoruka plans 50-MW wind farm near Belgaum

CHENNAI, NOV 16:
Bhoruka Power Corporation plans to put up a 50-MW wind farm near Belgaum, Karnataka, Managing Director, S. Chandrasekhar, told Business Line. The project will cost Rs 412 crore and will go on stream in the first quarter of 2014.

Bangalore-headquartered Bhoruka Power is among the leading renewable energy companies in India with a total capacity of 150 MW, of which 110 MW is small hydro and the rest, wind.

Yesterday, GE, which supplied wind turbines to Bhoruka’s 25.5-MW wind farm in Karnataka, announced the commissioning of the farm. The Rs 180-crore project will generate 62 million units of electricity a year.

Bhoruka sells the power to Hubli Electricity Distribution Company at Rs 3.70 a unit under a 20-year power purchase agreement.

The 25.5-MW farm, which was completed yesterday, is a part of the 40-MW wind power assets the company has.

Bhoruka Power has been debt-funded by DEG of Germany and Axis Bank.

The Hindu (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/bhoruka-plans-50mw-wind-farm-near-belgaum/article4101172.ece)

Gas power plant to come up at Bidadi, says Karandalaje

Karnataka will build a gas-powered plant at Bidadi near Bangalore to meet the ever-increasing demand for power by the corporate giants.

The 1,400 Mw combined gas cycle plant will have four units of 350 Mw each. Sourcing for the gas is under finalisation. The project is estimated to cost Rs 3,750 crore.

Energy minister Shobha Karandlaje , on Thursday told reporters at Dharwad, this gas power plant would be exclusively for Bangalore city. Of the power produced in the state, 45 per cent is being utilised by the people in Bangalore.
“As the city is fast expanding and big companies are stepping into the state for setting up their plants, there is an ever-increasing demand for power. Hence, the tender process for setting up this plant would be completed this month-end and chief minister Jagadish Shettar will perform the bhumi puja for the construction of the plant next month,” Shobha explained.

Shobha claimed that the BJP government in last four and half years has given more importance to power generation. Some Rs 11,000 crore has being utilised on setting up power stations, upgrading the existing lines and tapping alternate sources for the production of power.

“The third unit of the Yaramaras power plant near Bellary has got a green signal from the department of environment and Pollution Control Board and the works are fast progressing. Officials have been directed to complete the work within stipulated time and start power generation by next year,” she said.

Lashing out at the Centre, Shobha stated that due to the wrong coal policies of the Union Government, several states in the country were facing power crises. The Centre is supplying only 60 per cent of the total coal demand of the state.

“The Centre has taken a few wrong steps in coal mining, forcing the environment ministry to stop permitting mining. The Congress leaders representing the state at the national-level should exert pressure on the Centre and rectify mistakes in coal policies, she added. Due to a shortage of coal, several power projects are getting affected severely,” she said.

The KPTCL will recruit 2,000 engineers and 2,500 linemen shortly, said energy minister Shobha Karandlaje. Laying the foundation stone for the 110 kV power sub-station near the University of Agricultural Sciences in Dharwad, she said the KPTCL was facing a staff crunch to the extent of 50 per cent. She said there will be no 33 kV sub-stations and all the stations would be upgraded. Steps would also be taken to prevent power theft by adopting modern technology.

BS (http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/gas-power-plant-to-comeat-bidadi-says-karandalaje/493342/)

source: Deccan Herald

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/6675/bidadi.jpg

Suzlon bags 10.5 MW turbine orders from BEL

The second contract is from Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) for 10.5 MW. BEL has an installed capacity of 3 MW, supplied by Suzlon, operating in Karnataka. The new order will take BEL’s total portfolio to 13.5 MW. The project comprises five units of 2.1 MW turbines. It will be commissioned in the Davangere district of Karnataka by FY13 end.

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Sun ray solar museum in Hubli (http://sunraysolarmuseum.bizporto.com/Home.aspx)

Has anyone visited this museum?

HUBLI: To give a boost to big ticket public private partnership (PPP) power projects in north Karnataka and other parts of the state, the energy department has set up an exclusive PPP cell.

PPP projects identified include 400kv lines in Gadag, 400kv circuit lines between Puttur and Raichur RTPS, solar park in Bijapur and some projects in Hescom and Gescom worth several thousand crore rupees.

Headquartered in Bangalore, the PPP cell will monitor and supervise the projects under development, facilitate projects in accessing various government support, it will deliberate on the policy framework for ensuring investments in the state through PPP model.

DN Narasimharaju, principal secretary to energy department, said these power sector projects are increasingly large and complex in nature and require large investments and technology. So, PPPs are expected to provide optional and new solutions for development of major projects in the state.

Large & complex projects Explaining the need for PPP mode for these projects in north Karnataka, the department maintained that the power sector projects are increasingly large and complex in nature and require large investments and technology. A senior official in the department said the state government will be hard pressed to invest in such projects. As an owner of the public sector undertakings, it may extend external support for borrowings by the utilities due to several constraints.

"In the changed global project development scenario, which requires acceleration of infrastructure development, PPPs are expected to provide optional and new solutions for development of major projects in north Karnataka and other parts of the state," he said.

Reports of these four projects have been submitted to Hescom, Gescom and KPTCL. After comments from the departments, private players will enter the bidding process and thereafter negotiations will be done for the project cost and for other requirements, Narasimharaju said.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubli/PPP-to-power-mega-projects-in-North-Karnataka/articleshow/17356651.cms

Bhoruka Power prepares DPR for South Karnataka Biomass Based Power Project



Bhoruka Power achieves financial closure for Belgaum 50 MW Wind Farm Project



Bhoruka Power's Gulbarga Hydel Power Project expected to be commissioned by December 2015



Bhoruka Power's Belgaum Coal Based Thermal Power Project expected to be commissioned by April 2016



Bhoruka Power commissions Yelisirur wind farm project


Business Beacon

Flamingo Energy to invest Rs.7,920 crore for Bijapur Thermal Power Project



Flamingo Energy to commence construction on Bijapur Thermal Power Project by December 2012



Four EF awaits Forest Clearance for Chitradurga Wind Power Project



CLP Power awaits land acquisition for remaining 10.40 Mw capacity of Belgaum Wind Farm Project

The State government has urged the Centre to provide coal linkages for six thermal power projects (8040 MW), which are being implemented.


“Karnataka is promoting new projects in the public and private sector, with a target for addition of 7000-8000 MW in the next five years to overcome the power shortage, and projects needed 44.9 million tonnes of coal per annum for generating power,” said a memorandum submitted to Union Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal and Union Minister of State for Power Jyotiraditya Madhavrao Scindia.


Minister for Energy Shobha Karandlaje called on Mr. Jaiswal in New Delhi on Wednesday and appealed for the allotment of coal linkages/coal blocks for thermal power projects in Karnataka. She held discussions with Mr. Scindia on Tuesday.
The State has been implementing power projects in Gulbarga (1320 MW), Yeramarus (1600 MW), Edlapur (800 MW), Bellary – third unit (700 MW), Godhna in Chhattisgarh (1600 MW) and Ghataprabha (1320 MW).


She asked the Centre to treat State owned-generator company (KPTCL) on a par with Central government entities for allocation of coal block under the gazette notification issued in February 2012. She told both the Ministers to speed up allocation of coal linkages/blocks for projects to ensure timely implementation and commissioning of the projects, which would help meet the demand for power in the State.


Requirements

The memorandum said that the Gulbarga thermal power project required coal of six million tonnes per annum (MTPA), Yeramarus: 11 MTPA, Edlapur: 5.50 MTPA, Bellary: 4.80 MTPA, Godhna: 11 MTPA and Ghataprabha: 6.3 MTPA.
BJP MLC Lehar Singh, who is also member of the Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd., Energy Department Principal Secretary D.N. Narasimha Raju, KPTCL Managing Director Selva Kumar and Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Managing Director P. Manivannan, accompanied the Minister.

KPCL gives go ahead to procure LNG from GAIL

26/12/2012

The Karnataka Government has approved the proposal of Karnataka Power Corporation ( KPCL), to procure LNG for Bidadi Combined Cycle Power Plant (BCCP) in Bangalore.
The company will get LNG for the first block of its proposed 700 MW BCCP through a 100 per cent on spot market basis from GAIL.The KPCL will execute a gas transmission agreement (GTA) with GAIL in the due course. As per the agreement reached between KPCL and GAIL recently, the KPCL agreed to lease two acre and six guntas of land for a period of 15 years at a lease rent of Rs 100 per acre per annum against which KPCL will be exempted from termination payment and bank guarantee to GAIL, the state government said in an official notification recently.
The KPCL has proposed to take up the 1x700 MW power project with an estimated cost of Rs 3,750 crore. It has acquired 70 ha at Bidadi for the project. The power generated from the project will be allocated to the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company.

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/01315/29MN_NITK_1315390f.jpg
Schoolchildren at the Dakshina Kannada Bio-fuel Information and Demonstration Centre at NIT-K in Mangalore on Saturday. Photo: H.S. Manjunath

Board to set up pilot plants in the coastal belt of the State for the purpose

Y.B. Ramakrishna, Executive Chairman, Karnataka State Biofuel Development Board, said on Saturday that the board was planning to set up pilot plants for production of bio-ethanol from cashew apple and coffee pulp in the coastal belt in the State.

The plan was likely to materialise in six months from now, he told presspersons on the sidelines of a function organised by the board to inaugurate the Dakshina Kannada district-level biofuel information and demonstration centre at the National Institute of Technology – Karnataka (NIT-K) at Surathkal.

A.K. Monnappa, Managing Director of the board, said that certain issues pertaining to excise rules would have to be sorted out before setting up the pilot plants. The sites for setting up the pilot plants were yet to be identified.

C.T. Ravi, Minister in-charge of Dakshina Kannada and Minister for Higher Education inaugurated the centre. Speaking on the occasion Mr. Ramakrishna said that it was the 32nd centre of the board in the State. It would provide information on biofuel to farmers, entrepreneurs, students, scientists, researchers and others in general. The information would be on different biofuel species and their cultivation, methods of harvesting seeds, processing, value addition and marketing.

The centre had an oil extracting unit, a bio-diesel production unit, laboratory for testing the quality of biofuel produced and other associated facilities.

A staff member at the centre told the visiting media persons that a litre of bio-diesel could be produced from four kilograms of “honge beeja” (pongamia seeds). He said that a litre of bio-diesel could be produced from 2 kg of “sura honne” seeds.

Earlier addressing presspersons Mr. Ramakrishna said that the 33rd centre of the board would be opened at Chikmagalur.

He said that implementing bio-fuel promotion programmes have not yielded expected results because raw materials of bio-fuel were being exported from the country in large quantity.

There was a need to impose some restrictions on the export of bio-diesel raw materials from the country for domestic production of bio-fuel.

TH (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mangalore/plan-to-produce-ethanol-from-cashew-apple-coffee-pulp/article4255697.ece)

ಜೈವಿಕ ಇಂಧನವಾಗಿ ಬೂತಾಯಿ ಮೀನಿನ ಎಣ್ಣೆ ಬಳಕೆ: ಮೂರು ತಿಂಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಪೈಲಟ್ ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಸ್ಥಾಪನೆ (http://vijaykarnataka.indiatimes.com/articleshow/17821205.cms)

ವಿಕ ಸುದ್ದಿಲೋಕ | Dec 30, 2012, 08.17PM IST

ಸುರತ್ಕಲ್: ಕರಾವಳಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಅತ್ಯಧಿಕವಾಗಿ ಸಿಗುವ ಬೂತಾಯಿ ಮೀನಿನ ಎಣ್ಣೆಯನ್ನು ಜೈವಿಕ ಇಂಧನವಾಗಿ ಬಳಸುವ ತಂತ್ರಜ್ಞಾನ ಪುಣೆಯ ಸಂಶೋಧನೆ ಕೇಂದ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ಅಭಿವೃದ್ದಿ ಪಡಿಸಲಾಗಿದ್ದು, ಪೈಲಟ್ ಕೇಂದ್ರ ದ.ಕ. ಅಥವಾ ಉಡುಪಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಆರಂಭಿಸುವ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಚಿಂತನೆ ನಡೆಸಲಾಗಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಜೆವಿಕ ಇಂಧನ ಅಭಿವದ್ಧಿ ಮಂಡಳಿ ಕಾರ್ಯಕಾರಿ ಅಧ್ಯಕ್ಷ ವೈ.ಬಿ.ರಾಮಕಷ್ಣ ಹೇಳಿದರು.

ಅವರು ಶನಿವಾರ ಎನ್*ಐಟಿಕೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸುದ್ದಿಗಾರರೊಂದಿಗೆ ಮಾತನಾಡಿ, ರಾಜ್ಯದಿಂದ ವರ್ಷಕ್ಕೆ 20 ಸಾವಿರ ಟನ್ ಹಾಗೂ ದೇಶದಿಂದ 40 ಸಾವಿರ ಟನ್ ಬೂತಾಯಿ ಮೀನಿನ ಎಣ್ಣೆ ಜರ್ಮನಿಗೆ ರಫ್ತಾಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದು, ಇದರಿಂದ ಒಮೇಗಾ ತರ್ಟಿಯಸ್ ಎಂಬ ಕೊಬ್ಬಿನ ಅಂಶ ಬೇರ್ಪಡಿಸಿದ ಜರ್ಮನಿ ಅದನ್ನು ಜೈವಿಕ ಇಂಧನವಾಗಿ ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿ ಪಡಿಸಿ ಬೇರೆ ದೇಶಗಳಿಗೆ ರಫ್ತು ಮಾಡುತ್ತಿದೆ. ನಮ್ಮ ದೇಶದಲ್ಲಿಯೂ ಈ ತಂತ್ರಜ್ಞಾನ ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿಪಡಿಸುವುದು ಈಗ ಸಾಧ್ಯವಾಗಿದೆ ಎಂದರು.

ಜೈವಿಕ ಇಂಧನ ಅಭಿವದ್ಧಿ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರಕ್ಕೆ ಬಜೆಟ್*ನಲ್ಲಿ ಒಟ್ಟು 50 ಕೋಟಿ ರೂ ಮೀಸಲು ಇಟ್ಟಿದ್ದು ಸೇರಿ ಒಟ್ಟು 235 ಕೋಟಿ ರೂ.ನ ಯೋಜನೆ ರೂಪಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ. 2013ರಲ್ಲಿ ರಾಜ್ಯದ ಸುಮಾರು 100 ಎಂಜಿನಿಯರಿಂಗ್ ಕಾಲೇಜು, ವಿಜ್ಞಾನ ಕಾಲೇಜುಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಜೈವಿಕ ಇಂಧನ ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿ ಪಡಿಸುವ ಪ್ರೊಜೆಕ್ಟ್*ಗಳಿಗೆ ಮಂಡಳಿ ನೆರವು ನೀಡಲಿದೆ. ಮಹಾರಾಷ್ಟ್ರವು ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದಿಂದ ಹೊಂಗೆ ಬೀಜ ಖರೀದಿಸಿ ಅದನ್ನು ಅಕ್ರಮವಾಗಿ ವಿದೇಶಕ್ಕೆ ರಫ್ತುಗೊಳಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದು ಈ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಸರಕಾರದ ಗಮನಕ್ಕೆ ತರಲಾಗುವುದು ಎಂದರು.

ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನ ಪೀಣ್ಯ ಮತ್ತು ದೊಡ್ಡಬಳ್ಳಾಪುರದ ಎರಡು ಖಾಸಗಿ ಉದ್ಯಮಗಳು ದಿನಕ್ಕೆ 30 ಸಾವಿರ ಲೀ. ಜೈವಿಕ ಇಂಧನ ತಯಾರಿಸುವ ತಂತ್ರಜ್ಞಾನ ರೂಪಿಸಿದ್ದು, ಇದು ಆರಂಭಿಕ ಹಂತದಲ್ಲಿದೆ. ಕೆಎಸ್ಸಾರ್ಟಿಸಿಯ 500 ಬಸ್*ಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಜೈವಿಕ ಇಂಧನ ಬಳಕೆಯಾಗುತ್ತಿದೆ. ದೊಡ್ಡಬಳ್ಳಾಪುರ ಡಿಪೋದಲ್ಲಿ 100 ಶೇ. ರಷ್ಟು ಬಸ್*ಗಳು ಜೈವಿಕ ಇಂಧನ ಬಳಸುತ್ತಿವೆ ಎಂದರು.

ರಾಜ್ಯದ ಎಲ್ಲ ಜಿಲ್ಲೆ, ತಾಲೂಕುಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಗುಣಮಟ್ಟದ ಜತೆಗೆ ರಾಜಿ ಮಾಡಿಕೊಳ್ಳದೆ ಸ್ಥಳೀಯವಾಗಿ ಬೇಕಾಗುವಷ್ಟು ಜೈವಿಕ ಡೀಸೆಲ್ ಉತ್ಪಾದನೆಗೆ ಕ್ರಮ ತೆಗೆದುಕೊಳ್ಳುವುದು ಮಂಡಳಿಯ ಗುರಿ ಎಂದು ತಿಳಿಸಿದರು.

x-post.
Mysore, Hubi-Dharwad selected for Solar City project

People who instal solar equipment to get 30 per cent subsidy

Mysore and the twin cities of Hubli-Dharwad are among the 60 cities from across the country that have been included under the Union Government’s Solar City project, which aims to augment power generation from unconventional sources.


Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has appointed Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd (KREDL) as the nodal agency for implementing the project in Karnataka.

The project aims to reduce by 10 per cent the projected demand of conventional energy at the end of five years by promoting harnessing of solar power in hospitals, hostels, industries and homes.

The MNRE has already issued sanctions to 31 cities which have received in-principle approval and the cities have engaged consultants for preparation of the plan.

KREDL Project Engineer, Mysore, D K Dinesh Kumar told Deccan Herald that the government funding for the project was Rs 9.5 crore and, MNRE had already released Rs 4 lakh for promotional activities. MNRE releases the money to KREDL, which will in turn pay it to the city corporations for implementation of the project.

Under the project, 30 per cent subsidy is given to owners who would like to install solar energy system in their respective houses, Kumar said.

For instance, if a resident wishes to install solar energy system for four bulbs in his house, it would cost around Rs 19,500.

Subsidy and down payment would be Rs 4,320 and Rs 3,900 respectively and, the remaining amount is given as loan, he said.

Similarly, solar uninterrupted power supply (UPS) would cost Rs 71,325. Subsidy and down payment for the UPS would be Rs 21,600 and Rs 14,264 and the remaining amount will be given as loan. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) has tied up with KREDL in this regard.

“It is a one-time investment and the beneficiary will have a long term benefit in terms of cost savings,” he said.

Kumar said that in the first phase, MNRE has given approval for the implementation of the roof-top photo-voltaic project in the following areas in Mysore: Power plants of 60kW for Mysore City Corporation, 8kW for Kuppanna Park, 8kW for Cheluvamba Park, 75 kW for Mysore Urban Development Authority office and 45kW for nine zonal offices.


source:http://www.deccanherald.com/content/302349/mysore-hubi-dharwad-selected-solar.html

x-post.
According to reports (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-others/tp-states/karnataka-unveils-multicity-rooftop-solar-programme/article4263116.ece), as solar programmes go, the one unveiled recently by Karnataka is a pretty small one — about 1.3 MW. But its spread is large.
The State wants to create 0.5 kW and 1 kW household solar systems across some 1,943 houses in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli and Gulbarga. From a reading of the tender notification, it appears that this is a pilot project.


These are grid-connected solar systems, which means that this programme is a rent-a-roof type of initiative. The solar developer puts up a plant on a rooftop and sells the electricity to the grid at prices arrived at by the tender process. The revenues will be shared with the roof owner.


Half kilowatt systems will come up on 1,297 roofs and 1 kW systems on 646. The equipment used should be those approved by the Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd and the developers should guarantee a minimum of 450 units a year for half kilowatt systems and 900 units for 1 kW.
The tender notification speaks of the value of the tender of Rs 34 crore.

Aparajita Ray, TNN Dec 27, 2012, 10.59PM IST

BANGALORE: Shobha Karnadlaje, energy and power minister for state expects a worst summer next year and only wishes that generation is balanced until elections.

She spoke to the engineers of Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation (KPTC) and Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) at an event of releasing the technical diary of the energy sector on Thursday.

"Linganamakki dam has 64% of water stored as compared to 94% in 2010. This is not enough to manage hydro generation if crisis hits state in summer months of 2013. The next summer will be worst because of poor rainfall this year but we are doing everything to increase the generation from Udupi, Bellary and Raichur units," she said.

The state government has already bought 1280 MW of power from private exchange during 2012, she admitted.

She asked the engineers to manage the situation between January and May 2013 until the elections, if there is generation crisis.

She also admitted that there is staff crisis in northern Karnataka, which has to be beefed up in the year ahead.

TOI (http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-12-27/bangalore/36021721_1_worst-summer-hydro-generation-energy-sector)

Karnataka secures more power from Gujarat, Chhattisgarh: 1,300 MW at Rs 4.30 - 4.80 a unit contracted for summer months (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/states/karnataka-secures-more-power-from-gujarat-chhattisgarh/article4262188.ece)

Amrita Nair-Ghaswalla

Protests in Bijapur force relocation of site

Mumbai, Jan. 3:

Billionaire investor Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway is interested in solar power, and his interest in alternative energy has provided a major boost to Indian solar operators in the private sector.

American Energy Holdings, a company controlled by Berkshire Hathaway, has acquired two solar photovoltaic power plant projects in California from SunPower Corporation. American Energy is to shell out over $2 billion for the sale, construction and operation of the projects by SunPower.

As a private solar player said, “India's solar power sector was very popular with private equity players in 2012. More operators are looking for funds to carry out their expansion plans.”

India has over 40 private solar players such as Tata BP Solar India, Sun Technics Energy Systems, Bharat Heavy Electricals, Moser Baer, Premier Solar Systems and Maharishi Solar Technology, amongst others.

Officials said several States are rushing to install solar power to meet growing energy demand.

500 MW solar plant

For instance, in Karnataka, the State Government has decided to construct a 500 MW solar power complex in Chitradurga district, instead of the Bijapur district.

Neighbouring Maharashtra too is expanding its solar power generation activities Vidarbha, Khandesh and Marathwada regions. Talks have also progressed with regards to a solar power plant in Osmanabad in Marathwada region.

In the case of Karnataka, the decision to relocate the planned solar park was taken following widespread opposition to the plant in Bijapur. In September 2012, the government had announced plans for the project that was meant to include private sector investment.

To be constructed in several phases starting with 100 MW capacity in the first phase, the solar park is part of Karnataka's plans to add 4,300 MW of renewable power capacity in the coming two years.

The solar park is to also provide all infrastructure facilities to private investors interested in setting up their solar power panels, with a facility to evacuating power into the grid.

Though States such as Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan already have a solar energy policy in place, officials added that much more needs to be done to ensure that the country's installed capacity of 1,047 MW of solar power in November 2012, goes beyond the 2,000 MW capacity by March 2013.

The National Solar Mission expects 9,000 MW of solar projects by 2017, with Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh targeting 3,000 and 1,000 MW respectively.

Research pact

The $50 million collaboration to promote solar energy research between the US and India has also proved to be a shot in the arm.

The Solar Energy Research Institute for India and the United States (SERIIUS) has been set up by the Indian Institute of Science and the National Renewable Energy Laboratories (NREL), part of the US Department of Energy.

The two governments have contributed $12.5 million each and the rest is being obtained through industry bids. The three major points of focus in the PACE programme are solar energy, building effiency and biofuels.

amritanair.ghaswalla@thehindu.co.in (amritanair.ghaswalla@thehindu.co.in)

BL (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/economy/500-mw-solar-power-complex-to-be-set-up-in-chitradurga/article4269439.ece?ref=wl_industry-and-economy)

A 100-crore pilot project likely to be included in budget: Katti

The State Agriculture Department has proposed to Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar to take up a scheme in the budget to convert all the irrigation pumpsets in the State into solar-operated devices in a phased manner to conserve energy and also save the huge subsidy amount being given to them towards free power supply.

Presently all the 20 lakh IP sets in the State account for nearly 30 per cent of the State’s power consumption and also require a massive subsidy of about Rs. 4,500 crore a year as part of the government’s policy to supply free power to them.

The Department is of the view that the proposal to install solar panels for these IP sets would turn out to be a win-win option for both the government/Escoms and farmers, if implemented, because this would not only save power and subsidy amount, but also ensure continuance of free power to farmers.

Speaking to reporters after releasing Agri Doctors’ Diary-2013 brought out by the Karnataka Agriculture Graduate Officers’ Association in Bangalore on Friday, Agriculture Minister Umesh Katti said he had personally taken up the proposal with the Chief Minister.

Andhra Pradesh model

Mr. Katti said a team of the state officials had studied the Andhra Pradesh example of converting IP sets into solar-operated devices. It would cost about Rs. 1 lakh for providing solar power for each hp (horse power) and solar pumps could be used to lift water from the depths ranging from 300 feet to 1,000 feet.

Mr. Katti said the Centre was providing a total subsidy of 86 per cent for these solar pumps. To begin with, the Agriculture Department had sought that a pilot project be taken up in four districts to introduce such solar pumps to farmers at a cost of Rs. 100 crore. Under the pilot project, the government itself would bear the entire cost of pumps. He said the Chief Minister had responded positively to such a request.

The districts of Belgaum, Shimoga and Kolar were expected to come under the pilot project while the fourth district was yet to be chosen.

The Minister said the proposal would help farmers to get eight hours of power during the day time.

...

* 20 lakh IP sets in the State account for nearly 30 per cent of the State’s power consumption
* It will cost about Rs. 1 lakh for providing solar power for each hp

TH (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/proposal-to-make-ip-sets-run-on-solar-power/article4300613.ece)

Bangalore, Jan 16, 2013, DHNS:

Study states that 20,000 MW can be generated by using a minimum 5 pc of wind-rich land

Wastelands in Karnataka can generate at least 50,000 MW of wind energy with turbines fitted at a height of 80 metres, according to a study by the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP).

The study report released on Wednesday also identified Haveri, Chikkaballapur, Hassan, Bijapur and Kolar districts, apart from Bellary, Chamarajnagar and Chitradurga, for having the potential for generation of wind energy.

Even if five per cent of the wind-rich agricultural lands are made use of to install turbines, 20,000 MW of wind power can be generated. Similarly, Andhra Pradesh has an estimated potential of 88,000 MW on wastelands and additional 12,000 MW, if five per cent of the agricultural lands suitable for wind power was used, the study said.

Alok Srivastava, Joint Secretary, Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE who released the report on Wednesday, said both Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have larger scope to tap wind potential.

“With more turbines and increased wind power generation in place, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh governments can install an inter-state power grid, which can support power demands in the entire South India,” he said.

Srivastava said the zones with wind potential, identified in the report, have many advantages.

“Because these are wastelands, clearances for wind projects would be easier and big wind farms can be set up. Also, there is scope for other industries to have their plants adjoining these zones, as there is assured power source for them,” he said.

S V Ranganath, Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka, said the country can no more be dependent on scarce resources like coal.

Policies

“The need of the hour is to adopt forward-looking policies. The report is more authentic as Geographical Information System (GIS) has been used to map out wastelands as well as to identify areas rich in wind potential. Scrub forest lands are another area, where we can tap wind energy efficiently,” he added.

The report also lists out the possible policy implications of the study and highlights that high capacity turbines in these lands coupled with expedited clearances would be beneficial to Karnataka.

Also, keeping in mind the lack of uniformity in wind generation throughout the country, the report suggests the firming of inter-state transmission capacity as well as better planning and co-ordination between departments to ensure that extra energy generated in the State can be sold to other states.

Offshore wind energy

Srivastava said they have still a long way to act upon the route to tap the offshore wind energy in the country.

“A sub-committee appointed to look into the scope for off shore wind energy generation has submitted its report in September 2012, and it is under the review of the MNRE,” he said. 

Srivastava said if one needs to install a wind turbine on a sea shore, there were at least 18 different government agencies from whom he or she needs to get clearances.

“Also, we need to address issues such as coastal security, missile testing, defence, flight paths along with petroleum or natural gas exploration. Drafting a policy to tap shore wind energy itself is little complex and a single window agency for obtaining all such clearances needs to be established,” he said.

DHNS (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/305861/wastelands-potential-source-wind-power.html)

Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited to float tenders to give 130 MW solar power to state electricity distribution companies (http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-01-04/bangalore/36147818_1_solar-power-renewable-energy-solar-energy)

Aparajita Ray, TNN Jan 4, 2013, 09.55PM IST

BANGALORE: You might soon get more sun-power. The Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) is offering 130 Mega Watt of solar energy to bid for. In an exhibition of power and renewable energy systems ELAsia 2013 held in Bangalore on Thursday, KREDL general manager Vijay Dev announced that, tenders will be floated in two months time.

"There is 130MW of solar power in the offing and last time when we bid for 70MW, the lowest price hit at Rs7.94 per unit. This time also we hope that the price will come down by a rupee during the bidding process," he told TOI.

The solar power generation reduces the need to purchase power from the exchange and other states like Chattisgarh, from where a lot of power is drawn during peak seasons.

He said that this helps the state power corporation and distribution companies when they buy huge quantity of power from outside sources. He said that the tenders are finalized but it would be floated in two month's time because of the change of administrators in the renewable energy development body.

This goes on to prove that the state might not starve for power during the summer months of 2013 but the minister Shobha Karandlaje hinted at a possible crisis on December 27, 2012.

On the sidelines of the event, he also said that the Western Ghats which is a huge potential for wind energy generation remain untapped due to environmental clearances and impact. He also said that KREDL is likely to propose to the technical universities to include a degree course in engineering on renewable energy and to put it in the curriculum for schools.

SCADA bliss on KPTCL finally

BANGALORE: Finally Karnataka has been able to establish a SCADA control centre in the state capital on Thursday. Power utilities will now be able to benefit from the supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system to monitor energy supply and demand across the state.

Energy minister Shobha Karandlaje inaugurated the centre near Anand Rao Circle on Thursday. SCADA will be primarily operated by Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL). The system helps man the major generating stations, independent power producers, all smaller stations (66kV, 110kV, 220kVand 400kV) and the feeder supply stations controlled by distribution utilities in the state.

Herewith, 1200 locations will be mapped under the system which will benefit the KPTCL to monitor interruptions, frequency drops, grid instability on real time basis. "The Entire Project has been developed in two phases at a cost of Rs239 crores. Karnataka is proud to be the only state to have such wide network. Complaints from engineers about allocation of power to their areas were pouring; this can also be tackled through SCADA monitoring from Bangalore control station now," said Karandlaje.

"Real time balancing of the grid as well as decisions on where power must be flowed and how much is state drawing from central stations and at what costs will all be displayed on screen. This is a transparent system and helps us maintain a healthy power scenario in state and avoid major shortfalls," said Thyagaraj Ramchandran, executive engineer, KPTCL.

TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/SCADA-bliss-on-KPTCL-finally/articleshow/18065426.cms)

A study conducted by a Bangalore-based research institute has estimated that the State’s on-shore wind power potential can go up by several times by merely having turbines powered by taller windmills.

The study, conducted by the Centre for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP), says that by installing windmill-powered turbines at a hub-height of 80 metres, a theoretical maximum of 69,400 MW of electricity can be generated.

If the height is further increased to 100 metres, the potential will increase correspondingly to a maximum of 1,03,600 MW.

And if all turbines are placed 120 metres above the ground, then a maximum of 1,19,400 MW can be produced.

Seminar

Released at a seminar co-anchored by the Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd. here recently, the study, with an objective to reassess the wind resource potential in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, said that the two States together account for a fourth of the country’s wind energy potential.

The study said that there is a potential of 30,000 MW from wastelands alone for a turbine height of 80 metres. There is a potential of 20,000 MW if five per cent of the State’s agriculture landsuitable for wind powerwere used to set up wind farms.

Similarly, Andhra Pradesh has an estimated potential of 88,000 MW on wastelands.

The districts in Karnataka with good potential from wastelands are Bellary, Chitradurga, Chamarajnagar, Chickballapur and parts of Hassan, Koppal, Bijapur, Chikmagalur and Kolar, the study said.

“Most of the scrub forest land suitable for wind power is concentrated in Bellary with smaller parcels in Chickballapur and Chamarajnagar. Agriculture land in the same region can also be exploited partially for wind power,” it said.

However, the main challenge for large-scale wind power addition, the report stated, is managing its variability and unpredictability, it added.

TH (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/taller-windmills-can-produce-more-electricity-says-study/article4321817.ece)

The State government is set to come out with a fresh solar policy providing a roadmap for setting up solar parks with a total capacity of 1,000 MW. It is also set to formulate its new textile policy that aims at creating an additional one lakh jobs.

Announcing this during an informal interaction with reporters after a programme organised to launch the centenary celebrations of the Department of Industries and Commerce here on Thursday, Industries Minister Murugesh Nirani said that the two policies would be ready in 15 days. He said that these policies were being formulated by his department.

Pointing out that several parts of the State, especially the northern region, had potential for tapping solar energy with ideal sunlight, he said that the State was planning to set up 10 solar parks in these areas. Private companies would be allowed to set up their grid-connected plants in these solar parks.

Pointing out that the cost of setting up a grid-connected solar power plant was in the range of Rs. 18 crore to Rs. 20 crore per megawatt with land requirement of six acres when the State set up its first solar plant in 2010, Mr. Nirani said that the proposed solar policy was trying to set up these plants at a rate of about Rs. 6 crore to Rs. 7 crore per megawatt with a land requirement of less than five acres taking advantage of technical improvements.

Mr. Nirani said that the textile policy aimed at setting up 10 mega textiles units with a capacity to employ 10,000 persons each. Entrepreneurs were ready to set up such units in the State and were demanding that the government put in place a policy framework prescribing various incentives and measures for promoting the textiles sector, he said.

TH (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/state-to-come-out-with-new-solar-policy/article4321818.ece)

Manipal varsity signs memorandum of understanding with German institute (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mangalore/Manipal-varsity-signs-memorandum-of-understanding-with-German-institute/articleshow/18201335.cms)

TNN | Jan 27, 2013, 02.51 AM IST

MANGALORE: The Manipal University, who has collaboration with various foreign universities to promote research, touched another milestone by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Institute of Print Media Technology of Chemnitz University of Technology (CUT), Germany, recently.

Under this MoU, CUT has launched a new laboratory for printed solar cells at Innovation Centre of Manipal University. This lab will serve as basis for analyses and projects on printed solar cells.

In the first project of this MoU, the new lab will concentrate on application-related tests on Printed Paper Photovoltaic (PPP). This innovative technology, developed by a team of teaching faculties headed by professor Arved C Hubler of CUT and this technology helps produce electricity.

CUT in association with MU and other Indian institutions, will analyze the efficiency of PPP under real conditions. CUT is planning to develop some possible PPP business models for the market. An Indo-German Industrial Advisory Board will continually supervize the new laboratory activities.

Opening of the new laboratory in India will help promote the excellence of CUT at the international level, as a result more international students come to CUT, said Amold Van Zyl, chancellor of CUT.

He said the number of Indian students alone has increased in the recent years.

In 2010-11, 40 Indian students have enrolled at CUT and the in 2012013, 40 Indian students have enrolled.

"Started in 2008, the only Indo-German double degree Master's programme Print and Media Technology allows students of both the universities to study in both the countries," he said.


PETROWATCH Moily resurrects Mangalore LNG terminal (http://www.petrowatch.com/synopsis.php?artId=11269&w=1)
Protest against hydel project across Kumaradhara river (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mangalore/protest-against-hydel-project-across-kumaradhara-river/article4325662.ece)

Solar park (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/309071/cabinet-okays-three-more-private.html)

Sagatuer Ventures India Private Limited, a Taiwanese firm, has come forward to set up a solar park with a capacity to generate 200 mega watt (MW) of solar energy at Challakere in Chitradurga district. The government will provide 1,000 acres of land to the firm on lease, charging Rs 6,700 per acre per year as lease rent, he said.


Solar pumpsets in the offing: CM (http://newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/article1438887.ece)

Solar-powered pumpsets in all districts: CM (http://newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/article1458891.ece)

By Express News Service - HUBLI
11th February 2013 09:32 AM

Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar stated that based on the success of solar-powered irrigation pumpsets (IP) being implemented as a pilot project at each district in four divisions, the project will be extended to other districts.

...

Shettar stated that state government has been planning to promote the solar-powered IP for which `50 crore had been allocated.

...

CNG terminal in Bangalore, LNG terminal in Mangalore on cards (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/312970/cng-terminal-bangalore-lng-terminal.html)

Problems being faced in the setting up of a CNG terminal in Bangalore and an LNG terminal in Mangalore will be addressed, Oil Minister M Veerappa Moily said here today.

The Minister said there is some "regulation" of Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) vis-a-vis the proposed CNG terminal here. "Petroleum Ministry will sort out that issue", he told reporters here.

"We will immediately ask GAIL to provide for CNG, and there are potential to have three or four CNG terminals here. They can start at least one immediately", the Moily said.

He noted that GAIL and KSIIDC (Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation) have a joint venture for this initiative. Additional equity would be provided to this JV, if required, so that the project can go ahead.

Moily also said BPCL, ONGC and the State Government would sign an MoU in the next 15-20 days for setting up an LNG terminal in Mangalore. "We will definitely get petroleum products from Mozambique", he added.

In reply to a question, the Minister said the Kochi-Mangalore natural gas pipeline project is facing difficulty because of "land (acquisition) problems".

"But we will not wait for that project to be over", he said, adding, the Dabhol-Bangalore gas pipeline network would be branched out at Chitradurga and taken to Mangalore.
Baseline survey for this 350-km Chitradurga-Mangalore pipeline project has been completed.

ONGC to revive plans for LNG import terminal in Karnataka (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/energy/oil-gas/ongc-to-revive-plans-for-lng-import-terminal-in-karnataka/articleshow/18557294.cms)

BANGALORE: Six years after the $ 1 billion project was put in cold storage, state-owned Oil & Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) will by this month-end revive plans to set up a liquid gas (LNG) import terminal near its Mangalore refinery in Karnataka.

"In next 10 to 15 days, ONGCBSE -1.35 % and Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) will sign an MoU for putting up a LNG terminal at Mangalore," Oil Minister M Veerappa Moily announced at the inauguration of state gas utility GAIL India Ltd's Dabhol- Bengaluru gas pipeline.

The 5 million tonne capacity liquefied natural gas (LNG) import facility will be set up through a joint venture of ONGC and BPCLBSE -0.16 % and an international energy firm of repute. ONGC has already initiated talks with Mitsui Group of Japan of setting up LNG terminal at Mangalore and the two may also strengthen their partnership by further setting up a gas based power plant in India.

The Rs 4,500 crore Dabhol-Bengaluru pipeline is to be extended to Mangalore by next year and gas imported at the facility can then be pumped into the line for consumption by industries in Karnataka and neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

In 2005, ONGC had plans to build an LNG terminal, which were then shelved in 2006 due to change in leadership. But now the company has again started looking actively at the plan of LNG import, with the clear idea that domestic gas availability at 160 million standard cubic meters per day in 2015-16 will be way short of demand of 290 mmscmd.

Also, Moily, who hails from Karnataka, is pushing the companies to set up the facility.

BPCL owns an equity stake in a giant gas field off Mozambique and it can ship its share gas in LNG to Mangalore.

"Gas will come from Mozambique," Moily said. India has three operational LNG import facilities -- a 10 million tonne unit at Dahej in Gujarat operated by Petronet LNGBSE 0.23 % Ltd; a 3.6 million tonne terminal of Shell-Total at Hazira in Gujarat, and a just commissioned 5 million tonne facility at Dahbol in Maharashtra.

Despite the minister's push, there are question marks on the terminal at Mangalore. The Dabhol LNG terminal, which has government-owned NTPC LtdBSE 0.70 % and GAIL as partners, was commissioned last month and a similar capacity import facility will come up at Kochi in Kerala this year. LNG imported at Dabhol and Kochi will feed the same market in Maharasthra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Currently, both PLL's terminal at Dahej, and Shell and Total's terminal at Hazira in Gujarat are under expansion to 15 million tonne and 5 million tonne capacity respectively. Even Dabhol is proposed to be expanded to 10 million tonne.

ONGC to revive plans for LNG import terminal in Karnataka (http://www.firstpost.com/business/ongc-to-revive-plans-for-lng-import-terminal-in-karnataka-629782.html)

Bangalore: Six years after the $1 billion project was put in cold storage, state-owned Oil & Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) will by this month-end revive plans to set up a liquid gas (LNG) import terminal near its Mangalore refinery in Karnataka.

“In next 10 to 15 days, ONGC and Bharat Petroleum (BPCL) will sign an MoU for putting up a LNG terminal at Mangalore,” Oil Minister M Veerappa Moily announced at the inauguration of state gas utility GAIL India Ltd’s Dabhol-Bengaluru gas pipeline.

State-owned Indian Oil Corp (IOC) is building an LNG terminal in Ennore, near Chennai. Reuters
The 5 million tonne capacity liquefied natural gas (LNG) import facility will be set up through a joint venture of ONGC and BPCL and an international energy firm of repute. ONGC has already initiated talks with Mitsui Group of Japan of setting up LNG terminal at Mangalore and the two may also strengthen their partnership by further setting up a gas based power plant in India.

The Rs 4,500 crore Dabhol-Bengaluru pipeline is to be extended to Mangalore by next year and gas imported at the facility can then be pumped into the line for consumption by industries in Karnataka and neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

In 2005, ONGC had plans to build an LNG terminal, which were then shelved in 2006 due to change in leadership. But now the company has again started looking actively at the plan of LNG import, with the clear idea that domestic gas availability at 160 million standard cubic meters per day in 2015-16 will be way short of demand of 290 mmscmd.

Also, Moily, who hails from Karnataka, is pushing the companies to set up the facility. BPCL owns an equity stake in a giant gas field off Mozambique and it can ship its share gas in LNG to Mangalore. “Gas will come from Mozambique,” Moily said.

India has three operational LNG import facilities—a 10 million tonne unit at Dahej in Gujarat operated by Petronet LNG Ltd; a 3.6 million tonne terminal of Shell-Total at Hazira in Gujarat, and a just commissioned 5 million tonne facility at Dahbol in Maharashtra.

Despite the minister’s push, there are question marks on the terminal at Mangalore. The Dabhol LNG terminal, which has government-owned NTPC Ltd and GAIL as partners, was commissioned last month and a similar capacity import facility will come up at Kochi in Kerala this year. LNG imported at Dabhol and Kochi will feed the same market in Maharasthra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Currently, both PLL’s terminal at Dahej, and Shell and Total’s terminal at Hazira in Gujarat are under expansion to 15 million tonne and 5 million tonne capacity respectively. Even Dabhol is proposed to be expanded to 10 million tonne.Also, GAIL and Shell are putting up separate floating LNG terminal at Kakianda, off Andhra Pradesh coast, while Petronet is building one at Gangavaram in the same state.

State-owned Indian Oil Corp (IOC) is building an LNG terminal in Ennore, near Chennai, with a capacity of 5 million tonne at an estimated cost of Rs 4,320 crore. It is to be commissioned in 2016. Gujarat State Petroleum Corp is also planning to commission an LNG terminal with a capacity of 5 million tonne at Mundra by 2015-16.

GAIL commissions Rs 4,500 cr Dabhol-Bengaluru gas pipeline (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/energy/oil-gas/gail-commissions-rs-4500-cr-dabhol-bengaluru-gas-pipeline/articleshow/18557300.cms)

BENGALURU: State-owned gas utility GAIL India LtdBSE 0.44 % today commissioned a Rs 4,500 crore pipeline carrying gas from the just operationalised Dabhol LNG terminal into Bengaluru that promises to change the energy landscape of the region.

The 1,000-km pipeline will feed industries at Belgaum, Dharwad, Gadag, Bellary, Davanagere, Chitradurga, Tumkuyr, Ramanagaram and Bengaluru who have till now been using costlier and polluting liquid fuels like naphtha and diesel as feedstock.

"With gas coming in, the devil of pollution will disappear from the City of Gardens," Oil Minister M Veerappa Moily said after inaugurating the pipeline.

Gas will help the state power generation utility save Rs 800 crore annually by reducing cost, improving efficiency and drastically cutting down pollution caused by using liquid fuels.

The pipeline, he said, will be extended to Mangalore this year and further to Kochi in Kerala by end of next year.

Gas in its liquid form, or liquefied natural gas (LNG), imported at the just commissioned Dabhol terminal in Maharasthra would fire industries in Karnataka. GAIL commenced supply of gas through the line to its first customer Toyota Kirloskar Auto Parts Pvt Ltd.

The Dabhol-Bengaluru pipeline has a capacity to carry 16 million standard cubic meters of gas per day, he said, adding 73-km of line have been laid in Bengaluru city that would help in beginning CNG supplies to automobiles as well as piped cooking gas to households.

"We will work to give GAIL the licence for operating city gas in Bengaluru and may be in two months, we will see the first CNG station in the city," he said.

GAIL also signed an agreement to supply 0.6 million tonnes of LNG to Karnataka Power Corp Ltd's proposed 1,400 MW Bidadi power plant.

KPCL Managing Director M R Kamble said the first phase of 750 MW would now be built in next two to two-and-half years at an estimated cost of Rs 2,800 crore. 170 acres of land for the project has already been acquired and all clearances obtained.

Also, there is possibility of the 350 MW Yelahanka power plant switching over from diesel to gas to save cost, he said. Together with 1,400 MW Bidadi power plants, Bengaluru would have 1,750 MW of generation capacity against a demand of 1,500 MW.

GAIL Chairman and Managing Director B C Tripathi said the company had imported two shiploads of LNG at Dabhol and a third would be imported in next week to 10 days.

The firm is planning a massive expansion of its 10,000 km of pipeline network with 3,000 km of lines under execution and another 2,000 km on drawing board, which would take up the transmission capacity to 350-400 million standard cubic meters per day.

Gas, he said, would help power generation utilities save Rs 700 to 800 crore in fuel cost.

ಚಿತ್ರದುರ್ಗ-ಮಂಗಳೂರು ಅನಿಲ ಕೊಳವೆ ಮಾರ್ಗ (http://www.udayavani.com/news/253016L15-%E0%B2%9A-%E0%B2%A4-%E0%B2%B0%E0%B2%A6-%E0%B2%B0-%E0%B2%97-%E0%B2%AE-%E0%B2%97%E0%B2%B3-%E0%B2%B0---%E0%B2%85%E0%B2%A8-%E0%B2%B2-%E0%B2%95--%E0%B2%B3%E0%B2%B5--%E0%B2%AE-%E0%B2%B0-%E0%B2%97.html)

ದಾಬೋಲ್*-ಬಿಡದಿ ಗ್ಯಾಸ್* ಪೈಪ್*ಲೈನ್* ಲೋಕಾರ್ಪಣೆ

Udayavani | Feb 18, 2013

ಯೋಜನೆಯಿಂದ 700 ಮೆ.ವಾ. ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಲಭ್ಯ

ಹೊರವರ್ತುಲವನ್ನೂ ಆವರಿಸಿದೆ ಪೈಪ್*ಲೈನ್*

ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು: ನಗರದಲ್ಲಿ ಸಿಎನ್*ಜಿ ಟರ್ಮಿನಲ್* ಮತ್ತು ಮಂಗಳೂರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಎಲ್*ಎನ್*ಜಿ ಟರ್ಮಿನಲ್* ಸ್ಥಾಪಿಸುವಲ್ಲಿ ಎದುರಾಗಿರುವ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆಗಳನ್ನು ಪರಿಹರಿಸಲಾಗುವುದೆಂದು ತೈಲ ಸಚಿವ ಎಂ. ವೀರಪ್ಪ ಮೊಯ್ಲಿ ಹೇಳಿದ್ದಾರೆ.

ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಸಿಎನ್*ಜಿ ಟರ್ಮಿನಲ್* ಸ್ಥಾಪಿಸುವ ಕುರಿತಂತೆ ಪೆಟ್ರೋಲಿಯಂ ಮತ್ತು ನೈಸರ್ಗಿಕ ಅನಿಲ ನಿಯಂತ್ರಣ ಮಂಡಳಿಯಿಂದ ನಿಯಮಾವಳಿಗಳಗೆ ಸಂಬಂಧಿಸಿ ಕೆಲವು ಆಕ್ಷೇಪಗಳಿವೆ. ಪೆಟ್ರೋಲಿಯಂ ಖಾತೆ ಶೀಘ್ರ ಈ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆಯನ್ನು ಬಗೆಹರಿಸಲಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಸಚಿವರು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಸುದ್ದಿಗಾರರಿಗೆ ತಿಳಿಸಿದರು.

ಭೂ ಸ್ವಾಧೀನ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆಗಳಿಂದಾಗಿ ಕೊಚ್ಚಿ-ಮಂಗಳೂರು ನೈಸರ್ಗಿಕ ಅನಿಲ ಕೊಳವೆವಮಾರ್ಗ ಯೋಜನೆ ತೊಂದರೆಯನ್ನು ಅನುಭವಿಸುತ್ತಿದೆ. ಆದರೆ ಯೋಜನೆ ನಿಲ್ಲಲು ಬಿಡುವುದಿಲ್ಲ. ದಾಭೋಲ್*-ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ಅನಿಲ ಕೊಳವೆ ಮಾರ್ಗವನ್ನು ಚಿತ್ರದುರ್ಗದ ಮೂಲಕ ಮಂಗಳೂರಿಗೆ ಒಯ್ಯಲಾಗುತ್ತದೆ ಎಂದು ಮೊಲಿ ಹೇಳಿದರು.

350 ಕಿ.ಮೀ. ಚಿತ್ರದುರ್ಗ-ಮಂಗಳೂರು ಕೊಳವೆ ಮಾರ್ಗ ಯೋಜನೆಯ ಬೇಸ್*ಲೈನ್* ಸಮೀಕ್ಷೆ ಪೂರ್ಣಗೊಂಡಿದೆ.

ಮಂಗಳೂರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಎಲ್*ಎನ್*ಜಿ ಟರ್ಮಿನಲ್* ಸ್ಥಾಪಿಸಲು ಮುಂದಿನ 15-20 ದಿನಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಬಿಪಿಸಿಎಲ್*, ಒಎನ್*ಜಿಸಿ ಮತ್ತು ರಾಜ್ಯ ಸರಕಾರ ತಿಳಿವಳಿಕೆ ಒಪ್ಪಂದಕ್ಕೆ ಸಹಿ ಹಾಕಲಿವೆ. ಮೊಜಾಂಬಿಕ್*ನಿಂದ ಪೆಟ್ರೋಲಿಯಂ ವಸ್ತುಗಳನ್ನು ನಾವು ಪಡೆಯುವುದು ನಿಶ್ಚಿತ ಎಂದು ಸಚಿವರು ತಿಳಿಸಿದರು.

ಸಿಎನ್*ಜಿ ಒದಗಿಸುವಂತೆ ನಾವು ತತ್*ಕ್ಷಣ ಜಿಎಐಎಲ್* ಅನ್ನು ಕೋರಲಿದ್ದೇವೆ. ಮೂರರಿಂದ ನಾಲ್ಕು ಸಿಎನ್*ಜಿ ಟರ್ಮಿನಲ್*ಗ*ಳನ್ನು ಸ್ಥಾಪಿಸಲು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಅವಕಾಶವಿದೆ. ಅವರು ಕನಿಷ್ಠ ಒಂದನ್ನಾದರೂ ತತ್*ಕ್ಷಣ ಆರಂಭಿಸಬಹುದಾಗಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಮೊಲಿ ಹೇಳಿದರು.

ಜಿಎಐಎಲ್* ಮತ್ತು ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಕೈಗಾರಿಕಾ ಮತ್ತು ಮೂಲಸೌಕರ್ಯ ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿ ನಿಗಮ ಜಂಟಿ ಉದ್ಯಮವನ್ನಾಗಿ ಟರ್ಮಿನಲ್* ಸ್ಥಾಪಿಸಲಿವೆ. ಯೋಜನೆ ಮುಂದುವರಿಯಲು ಸಾಧ್ಯವಾಗುವಂತೆ ಅವಶ್ಯವೆನಿಸಿದರೆ, ಹೆಚ್ಚುವರಿ ಪಾಲು ಬಂಡವಾಳ ಒದಗಿಸಲಾಗುವುದು ಎಂದರು.

ಡೀಸೆಲ್* ದರ ಏರಿಕೆಗೆ ಮೊಯ್ಲಿ ಸಮರ್ಥನೆ

ದೇಶದ ತೈಲ ಉತ್ಪನ್ನಗಳ ಬೇಡಿಕೆ ಪೂರೈಸಲು ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಸರ್ಕಾರ ಶೇ. 73ರಷ್ಟು ತೈಲವನ್ನು ಆಮದು ಮಾಡಿಕೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತಿದೆ. ಇದಕ್ಕೆ ಪ್ರತಿಯಾಗಿ ಏಳು ಲಕ್ಷ ಕೋಟಿ ರೂ. ಪಾವತಿಸಬೇಕಿದೆ. ಇದನ್ನು ಯಾರು ಯಾರಿಂದ ಭರಿಸಬೇಕು? ಒಂದು ತೆರಿಗೆ ಹೆಚ್ಚಳದಿಂದ. ಮತ್ತೂಂದು ಗ್ರಾಹಕರಿಂದ ಬೆಲೆ ಏರಿಕೆ ರೂಪದಲ್ಲಿ ಪಡೆದು ಪಾವತಿಸಬೇಕು.

- ಡೀಸೆಲ್* ದರ ಏರಿಕೆಗೆ ಪೆಟ್ರೋಲಿಯಂ ಖಾತೆ ಸಚಿವ ಎಂ. ವೀರಪ್ಪ ಮೊಯಿಲಿ ಅವರು ನೀಡಿದ ಸಮರ್ಥನೆ ಇದು.

ಹೇರಳ ಪ್ರಮಾಣದಲ್ಲಿ ತೈಲ ಉತ್ಪನ್ನಗಳ ಆಮದು ಆಗುತ್ತಿದೆ. ಅದರ ಹಣ ಪಾವತಿಸಬೇಕಾದರೆ ದರ ಏರಿಕೆಯೊಂದೇ ನಮ್ಮ ಮುಂದಿರುವ ಮಾರ್ಗ. ಆದಾಗ್ಯೂ ಗ್ರಾಹಕರಿಗೆ ಹೊರೆಯಾಗದಂತೆ ಅತ್ಯಲ್ಪ ಪ್ರಮಾಣದಲ್ಲಿ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಸಮಜಾಯಿಷಿ ನೀಡಿದರು.

ಇನ್ಮುಂದೆ ನಲ್ಲಿ ನೀರಿನಂತೆಯೇ ಅಡುಗೆ ಅನಿಲವು ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿಗರ ಮನೆ ಬಾಗಿಲಿಗೆ ಬರಲಿದೆ!

ಹೌದು, ಬಹುನಿರೀಕ್ಷಿತ ಮಹಾರಾಷ್ಟ್ರದ ದಾಬೋಲ್*ನಿಂದ ಬಿಡದಿ ನೈಸರ್ಗಿಕ ಅನಿಲ ಕೊಳವೆ ಮಾರ್ಗ ಯೋಜನೆಯ ಮೊದಲ ಹಂತವು ಸೋಮವಾರ ಲೋಕಾರ್ಪಣೆಗೊಂಡಿದೆ. ಸಾವಿರ ಕಿ.ಮೀ. ಉದ್ದದ 4,500 ಕೋಟಿ ರೂ. ವೆಚ್ಚದಲ್ಲಿ ನಿರ್ಮಾಣಗೊಂಡಿದ್ದು, ಈಗಾಗಲೇ 73 ಕಿ.ಮೀ. ವ್ಯಾಪ್ತಿಯ ನಗರದ ಹೊರವರ್ತುಲವನ್ನೂ ಅನಿಲ ಕೊಳವೆ ಮಾರ್ಗ ಸುತ್ತುವರಿದಿದೆ. ಇನ್ನೇನಿದ್ದರೂ ಮನೆ-ಮನೆಗೆ ಸಂಪರ್ಕ ಕಲ್ಪಿಸುವ ಕೆಲಸ ಬಾಕಿ ಇದೆ. ಕೆಲವೇ ತಿಂಗಳುಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ನಲ್ಲಿ ನೀರಿನಂತೆ ಈ ನೈಸರ್ಗಿಕ ಅನಿಲ ಹರಿಯಲಿದೆ.

ಅಲ್ಲದೇ, ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ನಗರಕ್ಕೆ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಪೂರೈಸಲು ಸ್ಥಾಪಿಸಲಾಗಿರುವ ಬಿಡದಿ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಸ್ಥಾವರಕ್ಕೂ ಅನಿಲ ಪೂರೈಸುವ ಪೈಪ್*ಲೈನ್* ಅಳವಡಿಸುವ ಕಾರ್ಯ ಪೂರ್ಣಗೊಂಡಿದ್ದು, ಈ ಸ್ಥಾವರದಲ್ಲಿ 1,400 ಮೆ.ವಾ. ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಉತ್ಪಾದನೆ ಮಾಡುವ ಉದ್ದೇಶವಿದೆ. ಮೊದಲ ಹಂತದಲ್ಲಿ 700 ಮೆ.ವಾ. ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಉತ್ಪಾದನೆಯಾಗಲಿದೆ. ಆ ಮೂಲಕ ನಗರದ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಸಮಸ್ಯೆಯೂ ಬಗೆಹರಿಯಲಿದೆ. ಈ ಮಹತ್ವಾಕಾಂಕ್ಷಿ ಯೋಜನೆಯ ಮೊದಲ ಹಂತದ ಸೇವೆಗೆ ಪೆಟ್ರೋಲಿಯಂ ಮತ್ತು ನೈಸಗಿರಕ ಅನಿಲ ಖಾತೆ ಸಚಿವ ಎಂ. ವೀರಪ್ಪ ಮೊಯಿಲಿ ಸೋಮವಾರ ಚಾಲನೆ ನೀಡಿದರು.

ನಗರದ ಜಾಲಹಳ್ಳಿಯ ಬಿಇಎಲ್* ಗೇಟ್* ಬಳಿ 'ಗ್ಯಾಸ್*-ಇನ್*' ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮದಲ್ಲಿ ಅನಿಲ ಕೊಳವೆ ಮಾರ್ಗದ ಮೊದಲ ಗ್ರಾಹಕ ಟೊಯೊಟಾ ಕಿರ್ಲೋಸ್ಕರ್* ಅಟೋಪಾರ್ಟ್ಸ್ ಪ್ರೈ.ಲಿ.,ಗೆ ಒಡಂಬಡಿಕೆ ಪತ್ರವನ್ನು ಹಸ್ತಾಂತರ ಮಾಡಲಾಯಿತು.

ಶತಮಾನದ ಇಂಧನ ಮೂಲ

ನಂತರ ಮಾತನಾಡಿದ ಸಚಿವ ವೀರಪ್ಪ ಮೊಯಿಲಿ, 'ನೈಸರ್ಗಿಕ ಅನಿಲವು ಈ ಶತಮಾನದ ಇಂಧನ ಮೂಲ. ಭವಿಷ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ದೇಶಕ್ಕೆ ತೈಲ ಮತ್ತು ಇಂಧನ ಭದ್ರತೆಯನ್ನು ಒದಗಿಸುವ ಮಹತ್ಕಾರ್ಯ ನೈಸರ್ಗಿಕ ಅನಿಲದಿಂದ ಆಗಲಿದೆ. ಕೃಷಿ ಬೆಳವಣಿಗೆ, ಕೈಗಾರಿಕೋದ್ಯಮದ ಅಗತ್ಯತೆಗಳನ್ನು ಇದು ಪೂರೈಸಲಿದೆ' ಎಂದು ಬಣ್ಣಿಸಿದರು.

'ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿಗೆ ಅಗತ್ಯವಿರುವ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್*ನ್ನು ಈ ನೈಸರ್ಗಿಕ ಅನಿಲ ಮಾರ್ಗ ಪೂರೈಸಲಿದೆ. ನಗರದ ಹೊರವರ್ತುಲ ರಸ್ತೆಯನ್ನು ಸುತ್ತುವರಿದಿರುವ ಮಾರ್ಗದಿಂದ ಮನೆ-ಮನೆಗೆ ತಲುಪಿಸುವ ಜವಾಬ್ದಾರಿ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಸರ್ಕಾರದ್ದು' ಎಂದರು.

ಇತರೆಡೆಯೂ ವಿಸ್ತರಣೆ

ಮುಂದಿನ ದಿನಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಈ ಕೊಳವೆ ಮಾರ್ಗದಿಂದ ನಗರದ ಸುತ್ತಲಿನ ಗೌರಿಬಿದನೂರು, ದೊಡ್ಡಬಳ್ಳಾಪುರ, ಚಿಕ್ಕಬಳ್ಳಾಪುರ, ದೇವನಹಳ್ಳಿ ಸೇರಿದಂತೆ ಇತರ ಪ್ರದೇಶಗಳಿಗೂ ವಿಸ್ತರಿಸುವ ಉದ್ದೇಶವಿದೆ. ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿಗೆ 2015ಕ್ಕೆ 1,500 ಮೆ.ವಾ. ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಅವಶ್ಯಕತೆ ಇದ್ದು, 1,400 ಮೆ.ವಾ. ಕೇವಲ ನೈಸರ್ಗಿಕ ಅನಿಲ ಕೊಳವೆ ಮಾರ್ಗವೇ ಪೂರೈಸಲಿದೆ ಎಂದರು.

ಸರ್ಕಾರದ ಮುಖ್ಯ ಕಾರ್ಯದರ್ಶಿ ಎಸ್*.ವಿ. ರಂಗನಾಥ್*, ಗೇಲ್* ಮುಖ್ಯ ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥಾಪಕ ನಿರ್ದೇಶಕ ಬಿ.ಸಿ. ತ್ರಿಪಾಠಿ, ಇಂಧನ ಇಲಾಖೆ ಕಾರ್ಯದರ್ಶಿ ಪಟ್ನಾಯಕ್*, ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಇಂಧನ ನಿಗಮ ನಿಯಮಿತ (ಕೆಪಿಸಿಎಲ್*) ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥಾಪಕ ನಿರ್ದೇಶಕ ಕಾಂಬ್ಳೆ ಮತ್ತಿತರರು ಉಪಸ್ಥಿತರಿದ್ದರು.

ಜಿಂದಾಲ್*ನಲ್ಲಿ ಶಿಲಾನ್ಯಾಸ

ನಂತರ ಜಿಂದಾಲ್* ಅಲ್ಯುಮಿನಿಯಂ ಕಂಪೆನಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸಚಿವ ವೀರಪ್ಪ ಮೊಯಿಲಿ 'ಚಿಕ್ಕಬಳ್ಳಾಪುರ ಗ್ಯಾಸ್* ಪೈಪ್*ಲೈನ್*'ಗೆ ಶಿಲಾನ್ಯಾಸ ಮಾಡಿದರು.

28 ಕಿ.ಮೀ. ಉದ್ದದ ಈ ಮಾರ್ಗವು ದಾಬಸ್*ಪೇಟೆಯಿಂದ ಜಿಂದಾಲ್* ಅಲ್ಯುಮಿನಿಯಂ ಕಂಪೆನಿಗೆ ಅನಿಲ ಸಂಪರ್ಕ ಕಲ್ಪಿಸಲಿದೆ. ಇದರಿಂದ ಕಂಪೆನಿಗೆ 7 ಮೆ.ವಾ. ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಪೂರೈಕೆಯಾಗಲಿದೆ. ಮೂರು ತಿಂಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಈ ಯೋಜನೆ ಪೂರ್ಣಗೊಳ್ಳಲಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಕಂಪೆನಿ ಉಪಾಧ್ಯಕ್ಷ ರಘುನಾಥ್* ತಿಳಿಸಿದರು.

ಎಲ್ಲೆಲ್ಲಿ ಹಾದುಬಂದಿದೆ?

ಒಂದು ಸಾವಿರ ಕಿ.ಮೀ. ಉದ್ದದ ಈ ಮಾರ್ಗವು 300 ಕಿ.ಮೀ. ಪಶ್ಚಿಮಘಟ್ಟ ಪ್ರದೇಶ, 263 ಕಿ.ಮೀ. ಮಹಾರಾಷ್ಟ್ರ ಮತ್ತು 36 ಕಿ.ಮೀ. ಗೋವಾದಲ್ಲಿ ಹಾದುಬಂದಿದೆ. ಈ ಮಾರ್ಗದಲ್ಲಿ 11 ಪ್ರಮುಖ ನದಿ ತಿರುವುಗಳು, 20 ರೈಲ್ವೆ ತಿರುವುಗಳು, 276 ನೀರಿನ ಕೊಳಗಳ ತಿರುವುಗಳು ಬಂದಿವೆ ಎಂದು ಗೇಲ್* ಪ್ರಕಟಣೆ ತಿಳಿಸಿದೆ.

2030ಕ್ಕೆ ತೈಲದಲ್ಲಿ ಸ್ವಾವಲಂಬನೆ

ಪ್ರಸ್ತುತ ಶೇ. 73ರಷ್ಟು ತೈಲ ಉತ್ಪನ್ನಗಳನ್ನು ಆಮದು ಮಾಡಿಕೊಳ್ಳಲಾಗುತ್ತಿದೆ. ಇದನ್ನು 2020ರ ವೇಳೆಗೆ ಶೇ. 50ರಷ್ಟು ಕಡಿಮೆ ಹಾಗೂ 2025ಕ್ಕೆ ಶೇ. 25ಕ್ಕೆ ಮತ್ತು 2030ರ ಹೊತ್ತಿಗೆ ತೈಲ ಉತ್ಪಾದನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸ್ವಾವಲಂಬನೆ ಸಾಧಿಸುವ ಗುರಿ ಇದೆ ಎಂದು ಸಚಿವರು ತಿಳಿಸಿದರು.

ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿಗೆ 1,500 ಮೆ.ವಾ. ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಅಗತ್ಯವಿದೆ. ಸದ್ಯ ಅನಿಲ ಕೊಳವೆ ಮಾರ್ಗದಿಂದ 700 ಮೆ.ವಾ. ದೊರೆಯಲಿದೆ. 2ನೇ ಹಂತದ ಅಂತ್ಯಕ್ಕೆ 1,400 ಮೆ.ವಾ. ಪೂರೈಕೆಯಾಗಲಿದೆ. 350 ಮೆ.ವಾ. ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಯಲಹಂಕದಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಡೀಸೆಲ್* ಘಟಕವನ್ನು ಅನಿಲ ಕೊಳವೆ ಮಾರ್ಗಕ್ಕೆ ಪರಿವರ್ತಿಸಲಾಗುವುದು ಎಂದು ಕೆಪಿಸಿಎಲ್* ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥಾಪಕ ನಿರ್ದೇಶಕ ಕಾಂಬ್ಳೆ ತಿಳಿಸಿದರು.

ಯೋಜನೆ ವಿವರ

ದಾಬೋಲ್*ನಿಂದ ಹರಿದುಬರುವ ಈ ನೈಸರ್ಗಿಕ ಅನಿಲವು ನಗರದ ಎರಡು ಮಹತ್ವದ ಬೇಡಿಕೆಗಳನ್ನು ಪೂರೈಸಲಿದೆ.

ಒಂದು ಬಿಡದಿಯಲ್ಲಿರುವ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಘಟಕದಲ್ಲಿ ಈ ಅನಿಲ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ರೂಪದಲ್ಲಿ ಪರಿವರ್ತನೆಗೊಂಡು ನಗರಕ್ಕೆ ಸರಬರಾಜಾಗುತ್ತದೆ. ಮೊದಲ ಹಂತದಲ್ಲಿ ಸುಮಾರು 700 ಮೆ.ವಾ. ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಉತ್ಪಾದಿಸುವ ಗುರಿಯನ್ನು ಕೆಪಿಸಿಎಲ್* ಹೊಂದಿದೆ. ಇದಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ನಿತ್ಯ 3.2 ಮಿಲಿಯನ್* ಕ್ಯೂಬಿಕ್* ಮೀಟರ್* ನೈಸರ್ಗಿಕ ಅನಿಲ ದಾಬೋಲ್*ನಿಂದ ಇಲ್ಲಿಗೆ ಬರಲಿದೆ.

ಮತ್ತೂಂದು ಅಡುಗೆ ಅನಿಲದ ರೂಪದಲ್ಲಿ ಮನೆ ಬಾಗಿಲಿಗೆ ಬರಲಿದೆ. ಹೊರವರ್ತುಲದಲ್ಲಿ 18 ಇಂಚು ಸುತ್ತಳತೆಯ ಪೈಪ್*ಲೈನ್* ಅಳವಡಿಸಿದ್ದು, ಅಲ್ಲಿಂದ ನಗರದ ಬಡಾವಣೆಗಳು, ಮನೆಗಳಿಗೆ ಪೂರೈಕೆಯಾಗಲಿದೆ.

ಭಿಕ್ಷುಕರ ಕಾಲೊನಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸುತ್ತ ಅನಿಲ ಕೊಳವೆ ಮಾರ್ಗದ ಸಂಪರ್ಕ ನೀಡುವ ಕಾರ್ಯ ಆರಂಭವಾಗಿದೆ. ಮೊದಲ ಹಂತದಲ್ಲಿ ಭಿಕ್ಷುಕರ ಕಾಲೊನಿಯ ನಾಲ್ಕೂ ದಿಕ್ಕುಗಳ ಆಸುಪಾಸು ಸಂಪರ್ಕ ನೀಡಲಾಗುವುದು. ನಂತರದ ಹಂತಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ನಗರದ ಸಂಪರ್ಕ ಕಲ್ಪಿಸಲಾಗುವುದು. ಈ ಸಂಬಂಧ ಟೆಂಡರ್* ಪ್ರಕ್ರಿಯೆ ನಡೆದಿದೆ ಇಂಧನ ಇಲಾಖೆ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿಯೊಬ್ಬರು ತಿಳಿಸಿದರು.

ಅನಿಲ ಆಧಾರಿತ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ಸಂಪರ್ಕದ ಜತೆಗೆ ಮೀಟರ್* ಅಳವಡಿಕೆ ಮಾಡಲಾಗುವುದು. ಆದರೆ, ಈ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್* ದರ ಇತರೆ ಮೂಲದ ವಿದ್ಯುತ್*ಗಿಂತ ಶೇ. 50ರಷ್ಟು ಕಡಿಮೆ ಇರಲಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಹೇಳಿದರು.


Whether there will be LNG or Natural Gas storage facility just like ISPRL Crude Oil and BPCL LPG storage facilities? Which one is better to store - LNG or LPG?

ONGC to invest $1 bn in LNG terminal at Mangalore (http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/ongc-to-invest-1-bn-in-lng-terminal-at-mangalore-113022000708_1.html)

Would be ONGC’s foray into LNG sector after a failed attempt to set up a terminal way back in 2005
State-run ONGC, along with Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) and Mitsui Group of Japan will invest about $1 billion (approximately Rs 5,400 crore) to set up a 5 million tonne (MT) liquefied natural gas terminal (LNG) at Mangalore in Karnataka.

“We are going to sign a memorandum of understanding with BPCL soon and already have an arrangement with Mitsui. A feasibility study is going on in this regard and our plan is to come up with a 5 MT terminal,” said Sudhir Vasudeva, Chairman and Managing Director, ONGC told reporters today.

The company is in talks with New Mangalore Port Trust for a location in the region. If it works out, this would be ONGC’s foray into LNG sector after a failed attempt to set up a terminal way back in 2005. “We would like to cash in on the increasing demand of natural gas,” he added.

The operational LNG terminals in India include Petronet LNG’s 10 MT terminal at Dahej in Gujarat, Shell’s 3.6 MT Hazira and Ratnagiri Gas and Power Pvt Limited’s (RGPPL) 5 MT facility at Dabhol in Maharashtra, while Petronet’s Kochi terminal is set to be commissioned soon.

Considering the rise in demand of natural gas in India, many other players too have lined up their plans in the LNG sector. It include Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation’s (GSPC) and Adani group’s 5 MT Mundra terminal, APM Terminal’s plan at Pipavav, Indian Oil Corporation and TIDCO’s Ennore LNG Terminal, GSPC’s Okha terminal, Shapoorji Pallonji and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation’s plans in Kodinar, 5 MT Gangavaram terminal by Petronet and another 5 MT terminal planned by Hiranandani group at Haldia. ONGC’s plans coincide with the setting up of Kochi-Mangalore and Mangalore-Bangalore pipelines, extending the Dhabol-Bangalore pipeline by GAIL.

Eyes Videocon stake in Mozambique

According to sources, ONGC is in talks to grab 10% stake owned by Videocon in Offshore Area 1 in Rovuma basin field of Mozambique. Along with ONGC, Oil India Ltd too is in talks with Videocon for the stake.

According to reports, Bharat Petroleum Corporation too holds a 10% stake in the block, which has a reserve of more than 70 trillion cubic feet. The other players who are in talks with Videocon include Spain's Repsol, Royal Dutch Shell, BP, ExxonMobil and China’s Sinopec, an agency report said.

Meanwhile, ONGC has said that the development of its B-193 cluster would be completed in 2013 only. This western offshore area includes the 13 clusters that ONGC is working on. Announcing the installation of a 13,000 tonne platform by Singapore-based Swiber Holdings, Vasudeva said, “The total cost of the project is over Rs 8,000 crore. Once developed, we would be able to produce 44 million barrels of oil production and 6 billion cubic meter of gas.”

KPTCL seeks Rs 2,727 crore for various plans (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/314210/kptcl-seeks-rs-2727-crore.html)

Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) has sought Rs 2,727 crore for the year 2013-14 for implementing its various plans.

In its presentation before the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC), during a hearing on the annual revision of power tariff, KPTCL officials said they had received approval of Rs 1,918 crore for 2012-13. However, they added that their capital expenditure had increased due to enhancing transmission capacity, increasing costs of power generation and power purchase.

At the present time, they are charging Escoms Rs 1.12 lakh for transmission of 1 MW per month, they explained and added that they sought an increase to Rs 1.19 lakh for the same.

Capacity increase

The KPTCL intends to increase transmission capacity to 19,061 MW as demand from Escoms have increased. According to KPTCL projections, the demand at presents stood at 9,201 MW from Bescom; 1,615 MW from Mescom; 2,083 MW from Cesc; 2,295 MW from Gescom and 3,867 MW from Hescom.

The increase in capital expenditure sought by KPTCL is expected to cost Escoms about 6-7 paise per unit. KERC will hear Bescom’s application for annual revenue requirement on February 25.

Clean-up work on at unit 8 of RTPS (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/314206/clean-up-work-unit-8.html)

The authorities at the Raichur Thermal Power Station (RTPS) have begun clearing more than 200 tonnes of fly ash and concrete debris, following the collapse of two of the four channels of the electrostatic precipitator (ESP) in unit eight, where power generation has stopped.

The ash is being transported in eight tractors to a cement factory and other industries. Once this is done, a team of experts will inspect the damage to the various components in a couple of days.

Karnataka Power Corporation (KPC) technical director Narayanaprasad said generation of 130 megawatts (MW) of power (more than 50 per cent) will have to be restored in 15 days, in unit eight having a capacity of 250 MW.

Electricity can be produced using the other two channels of the ESP that are functioning, said experts of the Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited. It will take four months for the faulty channels to be repaired.

The dip in generation in unit eight will put pressure on the KPC, which is struggling to meet the increasing demand for power in the State, especially with summer fast approaching.

But restoring 50 per cent of the generation is expected to ease the burden.

http://www.deccanheraldepaper.com/pdf/2013/02/24/20130224aA001100007.jpg

^^
‘Set up Ultra Mega Power Project in D-K’ (http://newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/article1476686.ece)

By Express News Service - BANGALORE 24th February 2013 09:25 AM

Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar has appealed to the Centre to set up an Ultra Mega Power Project (UMPP) at Niddodi village in Dakshina Kannada (D-K) district.

In a letter addressed to Union Minister for Power Jyothiraditya Scindia, Shettar said on Saturday that the Central Electricity Authority has informed the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI), Ranchi that all the four sites proposed by it were not suitable for setting up a coal-based UMPP. CMPDI are rendering consultancy services for identification of potential sites for coal- based thermal stations in Karnataka. It had identified sites at Shiroor, Honnavar, Divgi and Kanchanbahal.

Later, a team of officers from Power Company of Karnataka Limited along with officials from Karnataka Udyog Mitra/Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board, Mangalore, carried out site inspection in and around the coastal areas to identify land for the UMPP project under case-2 bidding guidelines of Ministry of Power, GoI. The team identified a site in Niddodi of Mangalore as suitable, he added.


What happened to Bijapura Kudagi UMPP proposal?

^^
‘Set up Ultra Mega Power Project in D-K’ (http://newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/article1476686.ece)


What happened to Bijapura Kudagi UMPP proposal?

NTPC awaits MoEF nod for Kudgi power project (http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/ntpc-awaits-moef-nod-for-kudgi-power-project-112011300044_1.html)


Mahesh Kulkarni | Chennai/ Bangalore January 13, 2012 Last Updated at 00:30 IST

The state-owned National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) is likely to start work on the first stage of 4,000 Mw ultra mega power project at Kudgi in Bijapur district shortly. Following the transfer of 1,923 acres land by the state government, the board of NTPC recently approved a proposal to take up the work for the first stage of 3x800 Mw project at an estimated investment of Rs 15,166 crore.

The second stage for 2x800 Mw would be taken up later after the state government transfers the entire land for the project, NTPC sources said.

“The Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) has handed over priority land of 1,923 acres land for building the main power plant. Land acquisition for the balance 1,600 acres is in progress. We are awaiting the clearance from the ministry of environment and forests (MoEF) and once the approval comes the civil work on the first stage would commence,” sources said.

After the MoEF approval comes, the board of NTPC will approach the ministry of power for final approval to commence the work on the project, sources informed.

Meanwhile, NTPC has opened a project office at Bijapur, which is very close to the project site in Kudgi village. NTPC has deposited Rs 100 crore to acquire the land at Kudgi village. Of this, the KIADB has disbursed Rs 80 crore to farmers in the villages of Kudgi, Golasangi, Masuti and Telagi in Basavanabagewadi taluk of Bijapur district. The compensation given to farmers varies between Rs 5.25 lakh per acre for dry land and Rs 7 lakh per acre for wetland, KIADB officials said.

NTPC sources said about 1,100 acres of land for construction of Ash Dyke is under notification for acquisition. The company has included the Kudgi plant equipment in the bulk tendering issued for many other projects. The first unit will be operational in 58 months from the date of award of contract for the main plant equipment.

The Karnataka government had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with NTPC on January 12, 2009 for the proposed project. This would be the first power project being set up in Karnataka by NTPC. The state government has committed to supply 5.2 tmc ft water from Almatti dam for the project.

NTPC would use the supercritical thermal technology at this plant. The proposed plant will have the capacity to generate 80 million units of power a day and 50 per cent of it would be supplied to Karnataka while the remaining would be shared among other states. The power purchase agreement was signed between NTPC and electricity supply companies in November 2010.

At present, NTPC has an installed capacity of 36,014 Mw and operates 15 coal-based, seven gas-based and six joint venture power stations. NTPC expects to have a 1,28,000 Mw generation capacity by 2032.


I think work has started


NTPC begins work on power project in Karnataka (http://news.in.msn.com/national/ntpc-begins-work-on-power-project-in-karnataka)


Union Power Minister Sushilkumar Shinde Saturday laid the foundation stone for the first phase of the Rs.15,166-crore ($2.7 billion) project at Kudgi, about 550 km from here. The project that will come up on a 3000 acre area comprises three units of 800 mw each.

Union Corporate Affairs Minister M. Veerappa Moily, Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda and a host of dignitaries were also present on the occasion on a hot summer day.

The NTPC will take up the remaining two units in the second phase after commissioning the first unit by 2016.

"The NTPC's first super thermal project in Karnataka is aimed at meeting the growing energy demand in the four southern states proportionately. This is among the nine mega power projects the central government had taken up for executing in the 11th and 12th five-year plan periods," Shinde said after the ground-breaking ceremony.

Being the host state, Karnataka will get 50 percent of the power generated at the plant with the balance 50 percent distributed among Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

NTPC awaits MoEF nod for Kudgi power project (http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/ntpc-awaits-moef-nod-for-kudgi-power-project-112011300044_1.html)




I think work has started


NTPC begins work on power project in Karnataka (http://news.in.msn.com/national/ntpc-begins-work-on-power-project-in-karnataka)

^^
Kudgi (Bijapur) project is not considered as UMPP but a MPP and boundary wall construction work was in full swing when i visited the site in december 2012

What is the status of the Bidadi combined cycle plant that was supposed to use natural gas/LNG? Has any work started on that?

What about the two supercritical power projects in Raichur (yerramus?) ? Any progress on that? The KPC website still has old info. It doesn't even mention anything about BTPS unit - II or III .

State’s ‘no’ to new mini hydel plants in W Ghats (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/315422/states-no-mini-hydel-plants.html)

The State government has cancelled 10 mini-hydel projects in the Western Ghats that faced legal challenges and has decided not to permit any new plants in the region. This was informed to the High Court on Wednesday.

Following the State government’s submission, the High Court disposed of a PIL petition filed by Prashant G Yavagal and the Western Ghats Environment Forum against mini-hydel projects. The submission was made by the State Forest Department and the Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL).

Satisfied by the action taken by the authorities, the division bench comprising acting Chief Justice K Sreedhar Rao and Justice abdul Nazeer disposed of the writ petitions. However, regarding one mini hydel project, by Maruthi Power Gen Private Limited, the division bench granted liberty to approach the authorities with a fresh application. The same can be forwarded to the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests .

As per the affidavit filed by the State government, three power projects - the Dandeli Mini Hydel Station (MHS) with 18 mega watt (MW) capacity at Dandeli across River Kali in Uttara Kannada district; the one at Kaneri and Supa Reservoir (4 MW) in Kumbarwada of Uttara Kannada taluk; the one at Nanniruhalla (3 MW) across Nanniruhalla stream of River Sharavathi in Uttara Kannada district have been cancelled by the Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL). Apart from these, Kelasi MHS (5 MW) across River Bedti at Kelasi village in Uttara Kannada district has not been commissioned by KREDL for want of approval under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980.

The Mavaling MHS (4 MW) across River Kali near Mavaling village of Joida taluk in Uttara Kannada district hit a roadblock as the proposal to conduct a survey has been turned down by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.

Another project of the Dandeli MHS (12 MW) across River Kali has also been rejected by the State government, after the Union government informed the State that 75 hectares of forest will be submerged due to this project.

As per the affidavit and details submitted to the High Court, four other projects across River Gangavalli (5 MW each) in Yellapur taluk have also been rejected for not obtaining forest clearance.

What is the status of the Bidadi combined cycle plant that was supposed to use natural gas/LNG? Has any work started on that?

What about the two supercritical power projects in Raichur (yerramus?) ? Any progress on that? The KPC website still has old info. It doesn't even mention anything about BTPS unit - II or III .

Bidadi tender process
Yermarus work underway
BTPS 2 no coal linkage

Generation-based incentive may encourage new wind energy projects (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/generationbased-incentive-may-encourage-new-wind-energy-projects/article4464477.ece)

B.S. Satish Kumar

The withdrawal of incentive had put new projects in limbo as they could not get loans due to low RoE

The proposal in the Union Budget to reintroduce the Generation-Based Incentive (GBI) for wind energy projects and ensure availability of low-interest loans for renewable energy projects has brought cheer to wind energy developers in Karnataka, which is among the leading wind energy-generating States.

Wind energy expert U.B. Reddy, who is associated with many projects in the State, points out that several new projects were shelved after the GBI was withdrawn a year ago since banks did not find them economically viable.

“The details of these new projects had been worked out assuming that there would be GBI, which was about 50 paise a unit with a ceiling of Rs. 1 crore per megawatt a year. Without this incentive, the Return on Equity (RoE) of these projects dipped so low that banks were not willing to finance them. Those willing to do so quoted high interest rates. In such a scenario, none of the new projects have come up in the past year barring implementation of projects that had already completed all the formalities,” he said.

Reintroduction of the GBI would give a thrust to new projects, he said and expressed confidence that Karnataka may add wind energy projects with a total capacity of 250 MW to 300 MW in the next one year. Presently, the total wind energy capacity in the State is close to 3,000 MW, and it ranks fourth in terms of capacity after Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Similarly, the proposal to reduce the cost of renewable energy by providing funds at low interest rates from the National Clean Energy Fund to the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency for lending to renewable energy projects too is expected to provide some support for the green energy projects. Presently they pay a high interest rate of up to 13.5 per cent.

Bharat Electronics is planning a wind power project in Karnataka.
Non Conventional Energy

Status: Planning Stage
Promoter: Bharat Electronics
Project: wind power project
Capacity : 10.5 MW
Location: Dist. Davangere, Karnataka.
Contractors: Suzlon Energy
Current Status: As of January 2013, the project is planned for completion in end of FY 2013. The project comprises of five units of Suzlon’s S95-2.1 MW wind turbines.

http://indianewprojects.wordpress.com/2013/01/23/bharat-electronics-is-planning-a-wind-power-project-in-karnataka/

Karnataka seeks Moily's intervention in Bangalore CNG project (http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_karnataka-seeks-moily-s-intervention-in-bangalore-cng-project_1808139)

Published: Wednesday, Mar 6, 2013, 19:43 IST
Place: Bangalore | Agency: PTI

Karnataka has sought central intervention to enable roll-out of CNG infrastructure here.

"... Karnataka is keen to roll out CNG infrastructure in Bangalore on priority", Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar said in a letter to Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas M Veerappa Moily.

Karnataka State Industrial Infrastructure and Development Corporation and GAIL have signed an agreement to form a joint venture (JV) company for distribution of gas to various consumers in the state, he said.

Stating that the roll-out of CNG infrastructure here can be carried out by the proposed JV company, Shettar sought Moily's intervention for issuance of suitable directions to facilitate the state to execute this project on priority through the proposed JV company.

He noted that under the existing scheme of gas supplies (City Gas Distribution-CGD) in cities in the country, PNGRB (Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board) has been empowered to authorise and select such agencies for city gas supplies.

Prior to setting up of PNGRB in 2007, it was Government of India (Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas) which was authorising the city gas projects in cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Lucknow and these have been successfully undertaken by GAIL through its JV(s).

Since inception, PNGRB has carried out four rounds of bidding for CGD authorisation. "I am given to understand that so far, only two rounds have been concluded for award of authorisation of only 13 GAs (cities). It is not known when the PNGRB will put Bangalore for bidding", Shettar said seeking Moily's intervention.

Shettar also requested Moily to advice GAIL to take up necessary project activities to ensure that its Dabhol- Bangalore pipeline (BDPL) was connected to Dharward, Bhadrawathi, Udupi and Mangalore at the earliest.

"It will not only help in providing early natural gas connectivity to these cities but also help in optimal utilisation of BDPL capacity," he said in a separate letter to Moily.

"This will ensure that critical gas supplies for use as fuel or feedstock reaches consumers such as MRPL, OMPL, MCF, KIOCL etc. and also present a strategic option for high priority projects such as the Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL) coming up near Mangalore and Udupi".

Ensuring the availability of natural gas at Dharward, Hubli, Bhadravathi/Shimoga, Udupi and Mangalore will be of immense help in not only reducing the pollution levels but also in providing fillip to further industrial development of these cities, the Chief Minister added.


CM takes up CNG project delay with Moily (http://www.deccanherald.com/content/317022/cm-takes-up-cng-project.html)

Karnataka opens solicitation for 130 MW of solar PV, CSP


Both PV and CSP projects will be eligible to participate in the solicitation
The Indian state of Karnataka has released a request for proposals (RFP) for 130 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) and concentrating solar power (CSP) projects.
The solicitation will use a reverse bidding process, against a benchmark tariff of INR 14.5 (USD 0.266) per kWh for PV and INR 11.3 (USD 0.207) for CSP. Bids must be entered by March 28th, 2013.

Limit of 10 MW per bidding group
The use of the reverse bidding process is notable, given that many states have chosen to use the L1 bidding process instead.
Developers can bid on any number of projects, but will be awarded no more than 10 MW per bidding group, in projects 3 – 10 MW in capacity.
The goal of the solicitation will be to meet state renewable purchase obligations. Karnataka is the sixth Indian state to issue an RFP, following Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar and Odisha.

Coal shortage at UPCL forces longer hours of power cuts (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mangalore/Coal-shortage-at-UPCL-forces-longer-hours-of-power-cuts/articleshow/19100748.cms)

MANGALORE: Coal shortage problem has again surfaced at Udupi Power Corporation's 1,200MW thermal power plant resulting in 3-5 hours of power cuts in the region. Loadshedding started a week back with about two hours of power outage. In the past two days, it has become unbearable with the power outages going beyond four hours per day, including a midnight shutdown.

On Tuesday, UPCL was generating 700 MW as against 1,200 MW which is nearly 45% less than the installed capacity. On Wednesday, it was down to 390MW.

Sources added that the consignment of 72,000 tonnes had arrived at the New Mangalore Port on Wednesday and it was being transported to the UPCL's site at Nandikoor. UPCL needs 11,000 tonnes of coal per day to operate its plant at full capacity and the Wednesday's load is sufficient for full operations of the plant for a week. Mescom officials hoped that the plant would be able to ramp up production by midnight and power cuts could be reduced to less than half from Thursday. Two more shiploads of coal is expected to arrive in the next two weeks.

Mescom director (technical) DT Shiva Kumar said: "While the unrestricted requirement of Mescom is 850MW, we have been allocated 560MW. Mescom is overdrawing up to 600MW as of now. Power cuts in urban and rural areas are more or less uniform at 4-5 hours per day.''

UPCL supplies 8% of its generated power to Mangalore Electricity Supply Company (Mescom), which is vested with the responsibility of distribution of power to the districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Shimoga and Chikmagalur. When power generation goes down, Mescom gets 8% of generated power and not the installed capacity.

Karnataka allocates 130MW of solar projects (http://www.pv-tech.org/news/karnataka_allocates_130mw_of_solar_projects)

The Indian state of Karnataka has allocated 130MW of solar power projects for tender next month.

Karnataka is the latest state to release a tender following Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar and Odhisha.

"Karnataka's tendering is part of the trend where solar in India is no more restricted to JNNSM, and is spreading across states,” said Madhavan Nampoothiri, founder and director of RESolve.

In order to qualify for tender, solar PV or solar thermal projects must be a minimum of 3MW in size. Although a bidder is not limited to the number of projects they can bid for, the total allocation per project is limited to 10MW.

The state is not demanding a lowest bid as has been the case in other states. Instead, a benchmark tariff for solar PV has been set at INR14.50 (US$0.27)/kWh and solar thermal is INR11.35 (US$0.21)/kWh. In order to win, bidders have to offer the lowest price.

The onus for connecting the plant to the grid has been left to the developer. The winning bid can expect approval for grid connection from the state utility, Karnataka Power Transmission Company, within 180 days of signing the PPA with the utility.

A developer’s other responsibilities include providing a security deposit for its bid of INR20 lakhs (US$3,700) per megawatt.

The state also requires that PV projects be commissioned 12 months from the date of signing the PPA with the utility and 24 months for CSP projects. All bids have to be submitted by 23 April 23. Currently, Karnartaka has 14MW of grid-connected solar power.

Power Producing Companies/ Solar Development Allotment Grid Solar Power Projet At Bengaluru

http://3.imimg.com/data3/SN/XI/HTT-246/246_2013-03-07-14-12-07_1362645727.png

Appointment Of Coal Transportation Agency At Raichur


http://3.imimg.com/data3/DM/YB/HTT-1253/1253_2013-03-19-16-29-39_1363690779.jpg

Power tariff may go up again

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http://epapervijayavani.in/epaperimages/2832013/2832013-md-hr-1/3554416.JPG

Epapervijayavani.in

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Power tariff revision on hold in Karnataka (http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/power-tariff-revision-on-hold-in-karnataka/article4557731.ece)

The election code of conduct has come to the rescue of scores of consumers, albeit briefly, as the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has put on hold the revision of power tariff. The State power regulator was expected to issue the tariff order on Thursday, but with the code of conduct in place, the order has been put off “until further communication.”

Taking reporters by surprise at a press conference here on Thursday, KERC chairman M.R. Srinivas Murthy said that the commission was “going by the advice of the Election Commission.”

“We received the communication today. As the code of conduct is in place, we have been asked to wait (to pronounce the order). We are going by the advice of the Election Commission and will wait for further communication,” he said.

The announcement comes in the wake of wide speculation that the power regulator would order for a tariff hike based on the petitions filed by all the five electricity supply companies (escoms) seeking a revision in tariff. It also coincides with the upcoming State assembly elections scheduled for May 5. Any revision was expected to have a political impact.

Had the tariff been revised, it would have been the fifth revision in 42 months. The last revision was effected in April 30, 2012 when the tariff was hiked by an average 13 paise a unit.

ggg3C87UVCY

Gas Based Projects in Karnataka

April 26, 2013: The State Government of Karnataka had requested for allocation of gas for two new gas based power projects at Bidadi Combined Cycle Power Project (CCPP) 1400 MW (2x700) and Tadadi CCPP 2100 MW (3x700) proposed for 12th Plan. The application was received in this Ministry on 29.10.2010. With the reduction in availability of gas from Krishna Godavari (KG) - D6 basin, Ministry of Power / Central Electricity Authority had issued an advisory not to plan any gas based power generation plants till 2015-16 based on domestic gas due to non availability of domestic gas. This information was given by MoS (I/C) Power Jyotiraditya M. Scindia in the Lok Sabha.

(Source: PIB)

http://www.indianoilandgas.com/viewnews.php?id=19535

No water in kali powe plant


http://epapervijayavani.in/epaperimages/1752013/1752013-md-hr-6/13386859.JPG

Source: epapervijayavani.in