Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has approved three new power units of 800 megawatts (MW) each for Punjab, boosting the state’s electricity generation by 2,400 MW. This was announced by Punjab’s Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO after attending a key meeting of power ministers from North India, 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, Punjab’s minister requested an increase in power generation at the Ropar thermal power plant. He explained that although Punjab 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 Minister 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 Punjab.
This means Punjab 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 Punjab. 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 Punjab.
The minister also reminded the Centre of Punjab’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.
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