Ramagundam thermal plant: Congress govt contradicts its own stand

The Congress government’s position on the proposed 800 MW thermal plant at Ramagundam has come under scrutiny after Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka suggested private players could also bid, despite the cabinet’s earlier decision to collaborate with NTPC.

Hyderabad: The Congress government is contradicting its stand on the proposed 800 MW plant at Ramagundam.

Last Tuesday, the State cabinet decided to establish a new 800 MW plant in collaboration with the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC). However, on Saturday, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said that while priority would be given to NTPC, even private players could participate in the global tenders.

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Speaking to the media after a presentation on the State’s power requirement projections for the next 10 years in the presence of Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu, the Deputy Chief Minister said that among NTPC, GENCO and private entities, whichever producer quoted the lowest price would be awarded the Ramagundem thermal plant works.

At the cabinet meeting held last week, officials were also asked to explore the possibility of new power plants at Paloncha and Makthal. Defending the government’s move, the Deputy Chief Minister said the plant at Makthal could be coal, solar or another system.

A study would be conducted on feasibility, based on which a decision would be taken. On the Congress earlier objecting to the Yadadri Thermal Plant while in opposition, Bhatti Vikramarka said thermal capacity remained critical to prevent blackouts and that renewable sources alone could not stabilise the grid.

Industries Minister Sridhar Babu added that objections were raised mainly over the location. The Yadadri plant was nearly 250 km from the pit head, which increased transportation costs.

The proposed 800 MW plant, he said, would be closer to the pit head and reduce expenses. He also noted that concerns had been raised earlier about the use of subcritical technology at Yadadri.