The Indian power sector is facing a lot of challenges and hurdles. Investment is a key issue so far as development of new plants and upgradation of existing power stations is concerned. In an interview, former Director of State PSU Miraj Mishra talks to The Pioneer. Excerpts:
What is the present power scenario in Odisha, good or bad?
MK: (Laughs) It is neither good nor bad, rather I will tell it’s progressing in a positive way in a slow manner and the speed needs to be carried up by some expert planning and workouts.
Odisha is first in energy reforms. Are you satisfied with the condition and outcome?
MK: Yes, Odisha is a pioneer in power sector reforms, but I am not totally satisfied with the outcome. We are not heading towards the mission of reforms. About the condition, in generation sector, it is well-off , but in transmission and distribution sector, it is alarming due to lack of proper vision, planning and financial problems. Attention needs to given to Discom’s in particular.
Till now, we have not made any major power projects and most of the villages are not electrified also?
MK: Yes, you are right, we were trying for Sindhol project, but it was a failure. May be, due to lack of proper planning and political interest. It is practically difficult in Odisha in particular to make a major power project, due to problems in rehabilitation and finance. It is now call of the day to have alternative energy from solar, wind and biomass etc. It will take little long time to have all the villages electrified and the Government needs to boost up taking help of REC, NHPC and other public sector organizations.
What is the scope of alternative energy in Odisha?
MK: Compared to other States like Gujarat, we are too late in harvesting alternative energy, may be from SHP, solar etc. The condition is still not encouraging, because we have many SHP in Odisha and those are not functioning well and we have harvested only 20 to 30 per cent of SHP and not yet harvested around 20 per cent of solar power, leave aside wind and biomass. Only making new organisations or corporations will not yield energy, rather proper planning and research works are necessary.
What is your suggestion then?
MK: The Government should form a research cell, taking some power sector experts which will only concentrate on harvesting green energy in line with AHEC, Roorkee.
We are facing power cut and power shortage in Odisha; how to improve the conditions?
MK: As the environment is changing, affecting condition of reservoir and the power stations are old enough. We need to improve our generations by retreating the reservoir and renovating all the old power stations. It is high time to harvest from solar and wind in a big quantity. Form the T and D side all the grid substations and distribution networks are old enough. Though efforts are made to make new grid substation, all the assets and equipment in old substation must be replaced. All 33 KV lines and 11 KV lines should be replaced by underground cables. A proper plan must be made for this.
What do you see about power sector's future?
MK: There is still a silver lining (laughs); rather, I will tell platinum lining in the sky.