Projects today reported that the Orissa Power Generation Corporation a JV between the Orissa government and the AES Corporation is planning to revive 5 mini hydel projects which are incomplete in Orissa.

As per report, the said mini hydel projects are 1x325 KW Andharibhangi project in Subernapur district, 2x325 KW Badanal project in Raygada, 2x150 KW Banpur project in Khurda, 2x1000 KW Harabhangi project in Gajapati and 2x325 KW Barboria projects in Kendarapara district. The work on these units was started long time back but they still remain incomplete and the units are yet to be commissioned.

The Andharibhangi mini hydel project is likely to be commissioned by end January 2009. Currently, OPGC is holding talks with developers on the basis of the standard cost of revival of the remaining units. If the potential developers do not agree to the standard cost of developing the units which is estimated at INR 6.5 crore per MW, OPGC is likely to opt for open tender for selection of developers.

The report added that the union government had allocated INR 3.37 crore as a subsidy to OPGC for the 7 mini hydel projects including the 2 which have been commissioned. 2 mini hydel projects namely 2x325 KW Biribati mini hydel project in Cuttack district and 2x250 KW Kendupatana mini hydel project in Kendarapara district functioning under OPGC were commissioned in October 2007.

(Sourced from Projects today)