WIRE NEWS WN October 2017 | Page 15

Strong Growth Currents in Power Generation, Transmission & Distribution The Indian power sector has an investment potential of Rs 15 trillion (USD 223.67 billion) in the next 4–5 years, thereby providing immense opportunities in power generation, distribution, transmission, and equipment. Between April 2000 and March 2016, the industry attracted USD 10.48 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The Ministry of Power has set a target of 1,229.4 billion units (BU) of electricity to be generated in the FY 17-18, which is 70 BUs higher than FY 16-17 achievement. Around 293 global and domestic companies have committed to generate 266 GW of solar, wind, mini-hydel and biomass-based power in India over the next 5–10 years. The initiative would entail an investment of about USD 310–350 billion. Besides, on power transmission front, as on March 31, 2016, PGCIL owns & operates a transmission network of about 1,29,354 ckm of Inter-state transmission lines, 207 nos. of EHVAC & HVDC sub-stations with transmission capacity of about 2,54,848 MVA. Under the Twelfth Five Year Plan (FY 12-17) which has laid special emphasis on development of the infrastructure sector including energy, PGCIL has already made a Capital Expenditure of Rs 88,235 crore ( USD 13.38 billion) against the Capital Expenditure plan of Rs 1,10,000 crore (USD 16.68 billion). Moreover, the total inter-regional capacity addition planned in the 13th FYP (2017-2022) is 47,500 MW, to increase the present interregional capacity of 63,650 MW (as on November 2016) to 118,050 MW by 2021-22. This is to be done through several Interregional corridors and system strengthening projects. In order to provide a boost to the power sector, the Government also has set a target of electrifying 18,452 villages by May 2018 under ’Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY)’. Booming Infrastructure India needs Rs 31 trillion (USD 454.83 billion) to be spent on infrastructure development over the next five years, with 70 per cent of funds needed for power, roads and urban infrastructure segments. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) received in construction development sector from April 2000 to March 2016 stood at USD 24.19 billion, according to the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP). Infrastructure sector is a key driver for the Indian economy. The sector is highly responsible for propelling India’s overall development and enjoys intense focus from the Government for initiating policies that would ensure time-bound creation of world class infrastructure in the country. » WIRE NEWS EVENTS October 2017 15