JULY 20239TOP STORYGOVERNMENT PLANS TO INVEST $16,000 BILLION ON HYDROPOWER PROJECTSMEGHALAYA GOVERNMENT SIGNS MOU WITH NTPC TO UPLIFT THE POWER SUPPLYA number of Memo-randums of Under-standing (MoUs) have been signed by the Government of Megha-laya and NTPC Limited with the intention of improving the power situation in Meghalaya. Conrad K. Sangma, the Chief Minister of Delhi, Abu Taher Mondal, the Minister of Power, Gurdeep Singh, the Chairman and Managing Director of NTPC Limited, and Sanjay Goyal, the CMD of MeECL were all present at the signing ceremony in New Delhi.These important MoUs represent a crucial turning point in the coordinated efforts to improve the connectivity and electrical infrastructure throughout Meghalaya. The agreements cover the establishment of Pump Storage Power Plants (PSPs), the installation of Floating Solar projects in the state, and Power Portfolio Management Services (PMS) for Meghalaya Discom.By streamlining management and operations at Meghalaya Discom, the PMS MoU between the Government of Meghalaya and NTPC Limited would provide effective power distribution and better service to the general public. It also intends to improve MeECL's power portfolio management through a team of professionals, relying on the NTPC's experience and know-how in this area. Additionally, it will result in the wise use of MeECL's own power resources as well as a better combination and utilisation of the renewable and green energy resources accessible in the nation.The goal of this agreement is to improve the overall power infrastructure and lower transmission losses by utilising NTPC's project management skills. The MoUs also place a strong emphasis on the deployment of floating solar projects in Meghalaya and the construction of pump storage power plants (PSPs). It also intends to investigate the small hydro projects' unrealized potential.The feasibility of constructing pump storage plants that produce power and pump water back to reservoirs like Umiam so that it may be used repeatedly to satisfy peak demand will also be examined. Additionally, it will investigate the viability of installing floating solar power units in Umiam and other bodies of water.This MOU intends to advance Meghalaya's use of green and clean energy while also promoting self-sufficiency in the production of electricity. PSP development will improve electricity access, particularly in rural regions, while floating solar projects will take advantage of Meghalaya's natural resources to provide sustainable energy. Conrad K. Sangma, the chief minister, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership by saying that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding will significantly improve the state's overall power situation. These helpful actions show our dedication to improving power connectivity in Meghalaya.The importance of the collaboration in addressing the problems faced by the state of Meghalaya was emphasised by Power Minister Abu Taher Mondal. He expressed his hope that this relationship would have a positive effect on the area. Minister AT Mondal is certain that by forming a strategic partnership with NTPC, Meghalaya will be better positioned to handle the many challenges it now faces in the power sector. Power consumption increased by 4.4 per cent to 139.23 billion units in June this year compared to last year. Compared to 114.48 BU in June 2021, power consumption in the previous quarter was higher at 133.26 billion units (BU). In June 2023, the maximum supply of power, or the peak power demand, reached 223.23 GW. In June 2022 and June 2021, respectively, the highest electricity supply was 211.72 GW and 191.24 GW. The country's electricity demand was predicted by the power ministry to reach 229 GW throughout the summer. However, because of the unusually heavy rainfall in April and May this year, demand did not reach the anticipated level. Due to the nation's heavy rains in March, April, and May of this year, power usage was impacted.Unseasonal rains in March, April, and May, according to experts, had an impact on the nation's electricity use. However, they claimed that June of this year's power usage growth wasn't that bad. According to experts, rains decreased the need for electricity since consumers used less cooling appliances than they had the year before. In addition, analysts had voiced optimism that rising temperatures and improved economic activity would cause an increase in power demand and consumption starting in June.
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