Union Power ਮੰਤਰੀ Manohar Lal Khattar has approved three new power units of 800 megawatts (MW) each for ਪੰਜਾਬ, boosting the state’s electricity generation by 2,400 MW. This was announced by ਪੰਜਾਬ’s Power ਮੰਤਰੀ Harbhajan Singh ETO after attending a key meeting of power ministers from North ਭਾਰਤ, held by the Union Ministry of Power.
Power ministers and officials from several northern states and union territories, including Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, and others, joined the meeting chaired by Khattar.
During the discussion, ਪੰਜਾਬ’s ਮੰਤਰੀ requested an increase in power generation at the Ropar thermal power plant. He explained that although ਪੰਜਾਬ has its own coal mines, a Central rule that restricts coal transportation to 1,000 km was limiting the expansion of power plants.
In response, Union ਮੰਤਰੀ Khattar not only accepted the demand but also relaxed the coal transport limit to over 1,500 km. He then approved two additional 800-MW units at the Ropar plant, along with another new 800-MW unit elsewhere in ਪੰਜਾਬ.
This means ਪੰਜਾਬ now has the green light to set up thermal plants generating a total of 2,400 MW — a major step to address future power needs.
Talking about solar energy, Harbhajan Singh said that the Centre has set a goal of 7,000 MW solar power generation in ਪੰਜਾਬ. But he admitted it’s tough due to the high cost of land. So, the state is planning to install solar projects in neighbouring states and bring the power back to ਪੰਜਾਬ.
The ਮੰਤਰੀ also reminded the Centre of ਪੰਜਾਬ’s urgent need for an additional 1,000 MW of power for the ongoing paddy season. Right now, the state is getting 275 MW from the Central pool.
