Energy Sector
INTRODUCTION
Electric power generation in India is done predominantly by government sector entities. These are controlled by various central public sector corporations, such as: National Hydroelectric Power Corporation, National Thermal Power Corporation and various state level corporations (State Electricity Boards - SEBs). The transmission and distribution is managed by the State Electricity Boards (SEBs) or private companies. Private sector participation is increasing especially in Generation and Distribution:
Distribution licenses for several cities are already with the private sector
Many large generation projects have been planned in the private sector
INSTALLED CAPACITY
India has the fifth largest electricity generation capacity in the world
- Low per capita consumption at 606 units; less than half of China
T & D network of 5.7 million circuit km the 3rd largest in the world
Coal-fired plants constitute 53% of the installed generation capacity, followed by 25% from hydel power, 10% gas based, 3% from nuclear energy and 8% from renewable sources
The overall generation in the country has increased from 617.5 BU during 2005-2006 to 662.5 BU during the year 2006-07. The overall generation improved as follows:
Energy Type Improved By
Thermal 6.1%
Hydro 11.9%
Nuclear 7.9%
Bhutan Imp. 70.6%
Overall Growth Rate 7.3%
* Source: http://infrastructure.gov.in/power.htm
There has been significant improvement in the growth in actual generation over the last few years. As compared to annual growth rate of about 3.1% at the end of 9th Plan and initial years of 10th Plan, the growth in generation during 2006-07 and 2007-08 (upto September, 2007) was of the order of 7.3% and 7.6% respectively.
The electricity generation target for the year 2007-08 has been fixed at 710 BU comprising of...
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