Gas-based power plant for Goa!

The Centre has asked the Goa Government to consider setting up a gas-based power plant in the State, media reports said here today.

"We have suggested gas-based electricity generation in Goa", the Business Standard quoted Union Power Minister Sushilkumar Shinde as saying at the Economic Editors' Conference.

Goa being a tourist destination, the power project had to be environment-friendly, he said.

Gas-based power generation accounts for 10.5 per cent of India's total generation capacity of over 164,000 mw.

At the same time, the Government said it would meet its 62,000 mw power capacity addition target during the 11th Five-Year Plan (2007-12).

He also said talks were on with the Maharashtra Government for the proposed ultra mega power plant. "There are some land issues, talks are on. We hope to find a solution", he said.

When contacted State Power Minister Alexio Sequeira said that the statement was the outcome of persistent demand from his ministry.

"I have not come across the statement as I speak but if the minister has made the statement it has to be the outcome of our demands", Sequeira told Herald.

"I had demanded two gas-based power generation plants for Goa from the minister and since then I had not heard from him. Maybe this is the outcome of our demand", he said.