The Union government has approved three new 800-megawatt thermal power generation units for Punjab, clearing the way for a 2,400-MW boost to the state's energy infrastructure.
The announcement came following a regional power ministers' conference chaired by Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.
Punjab Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO, who attended the North India power ministers' meet hosted by the Union Ministry of Power, said two of the new units would be added to the existing Ropar thermal power plant, while the third would be set up at a new location within the state.
During the conference, attended by ministers and officials from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Delhi, Singh raised concerns over coal supply limitations.
He said the Centre’s policy restricting coal transport to within 1,000 kilometres was hampering Punjab's ability to increase thermal power output, despite the state possessing its own coal mines.
Responding to the request, Khattar directed officials to revise the coal transport policy, allowing movement up to 1,500 kilometres or more. The policy change effectively enables Punjab to expand thermal generation at Ropar and beyond.
Singh also addressed the Centre’s solar power generation target of 7,000 MW for Punjab, calling it a significant challenge due to the high cost and limited availability of land in the state.
He said efforts were underway to establish solar energy projects in neighbouring states, from where electricity could be routed back to Punjab.
Highlighting the approaching paddy sowing season, the Punjab minister urged the Centre to promptly meet the state’s additional demand for 1,000 MW of power. At present, Punjab is receiving 275 MW from the Central power pool.
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