Power ministry targets to add 88,000-mw power generation capacity in 5 years

NEW DELHI: The power ministry targets a capacity addition of 88,537-mw in the next five year years-- about 54% more than the 11th five year plan achievement.

The target would comprise 66,230-mw of coal-based capacity as well as 9,897-mw of hydro capacity besides some gas and lignite based power stations, but excludes 5,300-mw proposed nuclear capacity, Union power minister Veerappa Moily said on Tuesday at the Economic Editors' Conference.

The ministry has added about 62,000-mw power generation capacity in the last five years.

Moily said the government has proposed to continue the rural electrification programme in the 12th plan to cover remaining villages and has asked for a budgetary allocation of Rs 49,730 crore for the 12th plan.