POWER GENERATION (THE INDIAN SCENARIO)

Demand for electric power is an index of growth in a developing economy. Notwithstanding the fact that the total installed generating capacity in India has increased substantially, the demand still outstrips generation. While in the recent past the annual capacity additions have remained around 3500 MW due to constraints on resources and investment flows, to make power available on demand (zero deficit) it is estimated by the Government of India to add 100,000 MW in the next 10 years i.e. by the year 2012. India is one of the very few developing countries, which produces a full range of electric power generation and transmission equipment.

Future Fuel Options for Power Generation

The future fuel options will be based on three broad categories viz. fossil fuels, nuclear energy and the renewable sources Choice and mix of fuel will depend mostly on the localconditions of availability, cost of transportation, environmental considerations and costs of production

With a major thrust propounded by the Prime Minister, Hydro power is expected to get acceleration, particularly the North Eastern Region. Nuclear fuels like uranium will find its application only in a limited way.

The resource base of the renewable energies, particularly solar and wind is so immense that they could supply more energy than the world demand today once there are technologies in place which can harness these economically. The fuel mix in each region will drive the technology of thepower plant equipment to be used for power generation.

THANK YOU