The handbook capturing the two-year achievements of the coal ministry, all under Piyush Goyal, had the word “record” written the most number of times – record coal production, power generation, transmission capacity, etc.
This probably sums up the tenure of Piyush Goyal till now.
Without much ado, let’s look at the revolution he has brought.
One Grid, One Price, and 24×7 Power
The Reforms by NDA Govt and Promises of 24×7 Power to All:
This government’s major power sector reform initiative has been the launch of UDAY Scheme or the Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana— A scheme that promises to turn around DISCOMS through energy efficiency (which has presently become a buzzword in the country).
From the distribution of LED bulbs to energy efficient fans to LED tube lights and soon energy efficient ACs in urban and rural areas to the launching of smart SIM enabled agricultural pumps in rural parts of the country is giving a new lease of life to states finances or the gains they are reaping through such energy efficiency schemes.
“Personally, I think efficiency gains in terms of UDAY — where we are talking about Rs 1,80,000 crore savings per year that all the states which join into UDAY can enjoy. My sense is that when all states come on board, which I am quiet sure of, all these gains will be enough to take care of the existing requirements of the DISCOMs.”, Piyush Goyal said.
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Stranded Gas Based Power Projects
India was stranded with 28000 MW of gas based power capacity when the Modi led NDA government took over on May 26, 2014. Two years down the lane, we hear that close to 11,500 MW plus of these projects have started generating power.
What’s the fate of the Remaining Gas Based Power Plants:
Piyush Goyal assures that the balance will also be supplied affordable gas to start generating electricity and that the government is in discussions with leading global gas suppliers to contract at least 70 to 80 million metric standard cubic metres (mmscmd) of natural gas through long-term contracts between 10-15 years and at affordable rates (of around $5 per MMBtu).
Harnessing of Solar and Wind Energy in Rural Areas
The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) is implementing a programme on “Off-Grid and Decentralized Solar Applications” for promoting the use of solar power through solar home lights, solar pumps, and mini micro grids to meet the energy requirements of the rural areas.
Alongside, the MNRE is also implementing National Biogas and Manure Management Programme in rural areas of the country, wherein family type biogas plants are installed to meet cooking and motive power requirements. Under this program, the subsidy is provided based on the size of the plant and its location either in special category states or in other states.
India’s total installed Power generation capacity of 2.98 lakh MW (as on 31.03.2016)
Other than this, Mr. Goyal has drastically improved the working culture which was in an abysmal state during UPA. Let us hope he carries on with the good work.
Image Credits: Google Images
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