Trade in power generation to benefit neighbouring countries

New Delhi, Sep 23 (PTI) Minister of State for Power
Jairam Ramesh said on Tuesday that there will be need to
develop new markets for the export of power generated.

Trade in power generation will bring considerable
financial benefits to neighbouring countries, he said while
addressing the Power Summit 2008 in Nepal.

He said that though imports from neighbouring countries
will form a small proportion of capacity addition and energy
generation, yet electricity trade is an important instrument
of regional integration.

Indian companies involved in Nepal's hydel projects make
up a total of around 1,700 M.W., according to a press release.

The G.M.R. Group is developing the 302 M.W. Upper Karnali
and the 250 Upper Myarsangdi projects. The Sutlej Jal Vidyut
Nigam has won the contract for the 402 M.W. Arun-III project
while I.L.&.F.S. and Power Trading Corporation are
participating in the 750 M.W. West Seti project.

The government has signed a M.o.U. with Myanmar for
developing hydel projects in the Chindwin Basin, including the
1,200 M.W. Tamanthi project, said Ramesh.

"We are also working with Sri Lanka on grid
interconnection and to set up a 500 M.W. thermal plant in
Trincomalee," he said.