J&K is a power-deficit State. This is despite large water resources owned by the State. Power shortage is acute in our State and all successive governments have been exploring possibilities of increasing power supply and decreasing power losses either through pilferage or through outdated transmission system. In current times, three main sources of energy are identified, namely hydroelectric power generation, thermal power or atomic power. Of late solar energy is also recommended to be of considerable help. We have been harnessing the water of rivers in all the three regions and are producing power to whatever capacity it is possible. Solar energy has not been explored and exploited fully so far despite the claims that Ladakh could be feasible for generating solar energy.
In this situation, the State has taken up the matter of thermal power production with the Centre. The Ministry of Coal has allotted 100 million ton coal block to the State. It means that the State has been given the facility to utilize the coal for production of thermal power for the State. The Joint Venture Agreement would be signed between the J&K State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDCL) and NTPC. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would spell out details about setting up of the End Use Power Plant, in which the State will have one-third equity share, while the remaining will be held by NTPC. We expect 1000 MW electricity from this source when it becomes fully functional. With this dependable source of energy, the long standing problem of deficit power in the State will be overcome. At least during winter months when the flow of water in our rivers is reduced and it adversely affects the generating of power, we will have the alternative of thermal power. However this does not mean that we stop exploring possibilities of opening smaller hydroelectric power units wherever we can or we abandon the exploration of solar energy. Alternate efforts must go on if we want the State to become self sufficient in energy.
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