Mumbai: Maharashtra government plans to set up the country's first power SEZs with an installed capacity of around 1,250 MW electricity to meet the needs of the large number of industrial units being established in the state.
The state government has given its nod for two coal-based projects at Chandrapur and Raigad, which would be developed in the next five years, a senior government official told PTI.
"We have sought approvals from the Centre for a 1,000 MW power plant in Chandrapur and a 250 MW plant in Raigad, which will be given Special Economic Zone status," he said.
The power SEZs are proposed to be set up by Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation. Private players may also be involved in these projects, he said, adding the companies who have captive coal mine licenses would be given preference.
Maharashtra, the country's most industrialised state, faces power shortages of about 3,000-4,500 MW in peak days, forcing authorities to go for massive load shedding for as long as 12 hours a day. The proposed power projects would primarily cater to the new industries that are coming up in the various special economic zones in the state.
Besides, the state has earmarked a capex of Rs 58,000 crore over the next five years to put up additional generation capacity and improve transmission and distribution network.
Maharashtra is also in the race with four other states for setting up the country's first renewable energy SEZ, which is likely to be finalised soon.
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