Indian
Power Sector . Present Overview & Future Challenges
Plastics
to Play a Vital Role
Plastics
known for their excellent insulating and electrical properties, can
play a very crucial role in the field of energy conservation.
Introduction
Electricity is the prime mover of a nation’s growth. Developments
in power sector are crucial for the sustenance of a modern economy.
The growth rate of demand for power in developing countries is generally
higher than the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Therefore, in order
to support a rate of growth of GDP of around 7 per cent per annum,
the rate of growth of power supply needs to be over 10 per cent annually.
The growth of the Indian economy largely depends on the performance
and growth of the power sector. It also needs a matching rate of growth
in infrastructure facilities. Power sector had been funded mainly
through budgetary support and external borrowings. The budgetary support
— being limited due to growing demands from other sectors, particularly
social sector and the severe borrowing constraints — requires
a new financing strategy. This was recognized by the Government as
reflected in the
new policy enunciated in 1991, allowing private enterprise to play
a larger role in the power sector. It is the endeavour of the Government
to ensure that agriculture, industry, commercial establishments and
all households receive uninterrupted supply of electricity at affordable
rates. The Ministry of Power envisions reliable, affordable and quality
power supply for all users by 2012.
Current Scenario
The demand supply situation is still grim with average shortage
of over 7%. The peak demand shortfall is to the tune of 11%. This
necessitates adding of generation units and cutting electricity loss.
Generation
The all India installed capacity of electric power generating stations
under utilities was 107973 MW as on 31.03.2003 consisting of 76606.91
MW of thermal, 26910.23 MW of hydro, 2720.00 MW of nuclear and 1735.66
MW wind, which has increased to 112058 MW as on 31.03.2004. India’s
power generation is mainly based on thermal power station. Thermal
power accounts for almost 70% of the total power generation followed
by hydro power which is 26%. The role of nuclear power and wind power
is still very limited (Refer Fig. 1). The Plant Load Factor (PLF)
of thermal power plants rose from 51.3 per cent in 1990-91 to 72.7
per cent in 2003-04. The PLF of Indian plants is lower because the
plants are old, the maintenance is inadequate, the quality is poor,
transmission infrastructure is unsatisfactory and fuel supply is not
assured.
Transmission and Distribution
Government is determined to provide electricity to rural areas.
The distribution system has been extended to reach remote villages.
By end 2001- 02, 86.6 per cent of the total inhabited villages were
electrified, and nine states ...
....contd.
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