A 500 MW coal-based power generation unit at Ukai power plant in Tapi district of Gujarat has been commissioned, the State Assembly was told today.
"On March 5, 2013 a 500 MW coal based power unit at Ukai in Tapi district has started power generation to its fullest capacity," said Minister of State for Energy and Petro Chemicals Saurabh Patel while making a statement on the issue before the House.
"With the commissioning of this unit, the total installed power generation capacity of the state has reached to 21,162 MW, including 17,289 MW from conventional sources and 3,873 MW from non-conventional sources--wind and solar," he added.
A Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Limited (GSECL) owned power plant at Ukai had 850 MW power generation capacity and as part of the advance planning to cater the increased future electricity demands, state government started building this coal based power generation unit in March 7, 2007, he further added.
Central Electricity Authority, New Delhi had announced the commissioning of this unit with a letter to GSECL on March 4. With this total power generation capacity at this plant has reached 1,350 MW, he informed.
On the onset of summer, demand for power is likely to increase with water deficient areas like Saurashtra, North Gujarat and Kutch would consume more power for irrigation and at the same time because of hot summer domestic consumption too is expected to rise.
"With the addition of 500 MW power supply, the state government would be in a better position to satisfy power demands in Gujarat this year," Patel added.
