PBPL to set up 3 biomass power projects

Chandigarh, October 10, 2012: Punjab Biomass Power Limited (PBPL) led by its Chairman Vini Ahuja today firmed up the proposal to generate 36 MW additional power with an investment of Rs.250 crore in three different locations across the state at village Bhunnerheri and Jalkheri in Patiala and Purkhali in Ropar district with a capacity of 12 MW each by making 100% use of paddy straw as biomass.   

An assurance to this effect was given by Mr. Ahuja to the Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal in a meeting here at CMO this morning. 

Taking part in the deliberations, Ahuja apprised the Chief Minister that the group had already implemented a similar project of 12 MW generation capacity at Ghanaur in Patiala district at a cost of Rs.90 crore which was fully operational.  He said the group was credited to set up its maiden project in Punjab with the use of 100% use of paddy straw for the first time in the world and was now confident of moving ahead in a fast mode to deliver decentralized distributive generation of power and has tied up with financial institution like IL&FS to deliver these projects in the next 3-5 year on time frame.   

Unfolding the future plans to tap optimum biomass power generation in the state, Ahuja informed the Chief Minister that the PBPL would soon set up seven more such bio-mass power projects with the total capacity of 84 MW involving an investment of Rs.560 crore.  He also sought cooperation and support from the state government in setting up of a training institute for renewable energy (biomass) power projects in PPP mode to impart technical training to the Punjab youth with a job assurance to them on their successful completion in the power projects of the company. 

The Chief Minister assured the Chairman of PBPL that the state government would extend all possible assistance and support for the speedy implementation of these biomass projects.  Responding to the issue raised by Ahuja for setting up of training institute for renewable energy (Biomass) power Projects, Badal asked him to submit a comprehensive proposal so that a timely action could be taken on it. 

Badal also assured the delegation that the Punjab Energy Development Agency which was the designated agency in the state would ensure prompt single window clearance to facilitate timely execution of such projects.  He also directed the Chairman Punjab Pollution Control Board to ensure fast clearance for biomass power projects so that these could be implemented in a fast mode by the developers.   

Badal also asked the PPCB to ensure strict implementation of the ban on the burning of paddy straw which was the basic biomass fuel for these projects.  He also directed the district administration authorities to ensure strict enforcement of the ban in order to check the practice of burning paddy straw recklessly in the fields after harvesting which was not only environmentally hazardous but also a sheer wastage of biomass fuel for these projects. 

Prominent amongst others who attended the meeting included Principal Secretary Finance Satish Chandra, Secretary Power Anirudh Tiwari, KJS Cheema and Gaggandip Singh both Special Principal Secretaries to Chief Minister, CMD PSPCL KD Chaudhary, Executive Director PEDA TPS Sidhu and Chairman PPCB Ravinder Singh.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Biomass Power Ltd. was represented by its chairman Vini Ahuja, MD Lt. Col. (Retd.) Monish Ahuja, senior Vice President and plant operation Col. (Retd.) Satish Mehta and Arun Kapoor.