Power

Karnataka is facing a temporary power crunch, and in order to tide over the immediate power shortage the state has considered setting up diesel power generating units and laying a gas grid along the coastline from Mumbai High, to utilize natural gas to generate power. The state has also identified 150 locations where mini and micro hydro-electric projects can be set up. Plans have been initiated to harness wind energy too.

By the end of 1997 the installed capacity was around 4,388 MW, with generation of 18,200 million units. In the 7th Five Year plan Rs.626 billion amounting to 28% of the total plan expenditure was spent on the energy sector.

Private Sector Participation

In keeping with the policy of liberalization set in motion since 1991, private investment for generation of power through thermal stations, mini and micro hydro - electric schemes, diesel power generation, etc are welcomed by the state.

The Karnataka Power Corporation and the Karnataka State Electricity Board are the two organizations managing power in the State. The Karnataka Power Corporation is entrusted with the investigation, execution operation and maintenance of power projects, whereas the Karnataka State Electricity Board deals with the transmission and distribution of electricity in the State. Energy generation in Private Sector. The Government of Karnataka has envisaged a proposal for the generation of at least 2,500 to 3,000 MW of power in coming years. The following are the projects identified for private sector participation in the State.

Wind Energy Projects
Non-conventional energy production using wind power are proposed at the following places :

1. Kappatagudda (Dharwad)
2. Jogimatti (Chitradurga)
3. Gokak (Belgaum District)
4. Malagatti
5. Hanumasagar (Raichur District)
6. Bommanahalli
7. Hanumanamatti (Dharwad District)

Guidelines The guidelines for private sector participation are:

• Private sector units can set up coal, lignite, gas based, thermal , wind and solar energy projects of any size.
• They can set up units as licensees, distributing self-generated power or purchased power. They can also act as generating companies for supply to the state grid.
• Licences can be issued by the state government to private units willing to enter the electricity sector.
• They can set up captive power plants to serve, sell or distribute surplus power to state Electricity Boards.
• Debt-Equity ratio of 4:1 is allowed for private companies entering the electricity sector.
• Upto 100% foreign equity participation is permitted for projects set up by foreign / private investors.
• Import of equipment for power projects is permitted in cases where the foreign supplier of agency extends concessional credits.

• EDCL to set up wind energy project in Karnataka
  Energy Development Company Ltd today said it will set up wind energy project in Karnataka with capital investment of about Rs 10 crore.
  
  
• Power generation in Karnataka to be stepped up
  Karnataka Energy Minister H D Revanna today said the government is taking all measures to increase the quantum of power generation by 3000 MW in the next four years.

  Replying to a query raised by Mr Dinesh Gundurao in the Legislative Assembly, he said the government had initiated action to increase the power generation in the four years by taking up several power projects, which are in different stages of completion. A 500 mw thermal power project at Bellary is nearing a completion, he said adding that the government was likely to resort to a limited load sheddings to regulate the power supply, he said.
  
  

• Bhoruka acquires SLS Power Industries
  Bhoruka Power Corporation Limited (BPCL), part of the Bhoruka Group, today announced the acquisition of SLS Power Industries for Rs 80 crore.

  Informing this to reporters here today, Bhoruka Group Chairman S N Agarwal said the city-based SLS Power Industries has two hydro power stations at Cauvery and Tungabhadra basins with a total capacity of 12 mw.
  
  

• Researcher to produce power from tides
  An engineer and research scholar, who had made extensive research on eco-friendly tidal energy and got the patent for his invention, has now ventured into producing power from tides.

  Susi Global Research Center, Peramapally, Proprietor Vijaykumar Hegde's dream child was also set to produce 20 kw power from tides with an investment of about Rs 1.25 crore at the sea shore at Katapady-Mattu, about 15 kms from here.
  
  

• Tata BP Solar to invest $100 mn in solar plant
  Tata BP Solar has planned to set up a solar mega plant of 128 MW in the city with an investment of 100 million Dollars in the next one year to meet the demands of Indian and global solar PV (Photovoltaic) markets.
  
  
• GMR plans 1000-MW plant in Orissa for Karnataka market