Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce & Industry organised a Special Session on “Opportunities & Challenges for DVC – The Way Forward” on April 3 at Taj Bengal.
Shri S. Suresh Kumar, IAS, Chairman of Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) addressed the Session as Chief Guest.
Shri S. Suresh Kumar, IAS, Chairman, Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) in his address mentioned that Green Energy is an area of focus for DVC. DVC has already 20 lakh hectors open space around total dam area. In Renewable Energy sector, there is a lot of scope for the industries in power transmission. While speaking on challenges in hydro power production, he informed that sand has reduced the volume of water in the dams like Maithon and Panchet.
While speaking on Uniform Tariff between West Bengal & Jharkhand, Chairman said that DVC will be under one commission for tariff purposes between both states. He hoped that it will help to reduce the litigation. He further added that litigation should be avoided as much as possible, as it is time consuming and non-productive.
Shri Kumar said that imported coal is a big issue and expensive also. He assured that now there is no requirement for imported coal. However, he cannot predict the upcoming demand. He also deliberated that currently DVC is implementing orders from Governments of both Jharkhand and West Bengal. In the future, DVC will implement one order for entire company.
Lastly, Chairman expressed that power transmission needs to be good and DVC has received clearences from CEA. He said that there is a lot of scope for OEMs in this area. DVC provides quality power with its Advanced Distribution Management System. In fact, now people are selling their generators. Also, the Customer Relationship Management of DVC has improved.
Shri Namit Bajoria, President, MCCI in his Welcome address said that through its power generation capabilities, flood control measures, and efforts towards regional development, DVC has played a pivotal role in powering India’s growth. Damodar Valley Corporation achieved the highest power generation in its 75 years, with a 6.5 % on-year rise in 2022-23 to 43.32 billion units.
Shri Bajoria informed that it is well established that there is a growing interest in India’s green energy space amid a heightened focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing. In this space, DVC has already signed two vital agreements, Shri Bajoria expected that these projects would help West Bengal to be a renewable power-generating State.
Shri Devendra Goel, Chairman, Council on Industry, Power & Renewable Energy, MCCI in his addressed pointed out issues like
• Uniform tariffs should be implemented across West Bengal and Jharkhand,
• High level of Fuel and Power Purchase Cost Adjustment being charged by West Bengal,
• DVC should not use/refrain from using imported coal which significantly increases Fuel and Power Purchase Price Adjustment (FPPPA).
• In light of the evolving energy landscape, what strategies does DVC have in place for revamping power distribution and transmission lines to meet growing demand and enhance resilience?
Shri Goel requested the DVC Chairman to address the issues and to make industries aware about the innovative strategies of DVC.
The Session was concluded with hearty Vote of Thanks proposed by Shri Deepak Kumar Agarwal, Member, Managing Committee, MCCI. In his address, Shri Agarwal spoke about DVC’s contributions to the country’s agricultural growth in terms of providing much-needed irrigation facilities to the farmers in this part of the country since the early years of our independence.
This special session has flagged issues relevant to the industries and businesses, particularly those in West Bengal.