The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has invited proposals from the government and private agencies for preparation of research reports on generation, transmission and distribution of power — renewableS or otherwise — besides material technology and energy efficiency. The government's act follows rising mismatch between the demand and supply of power and other challenges facing the sector.   
 
 The recommendations of these research agencies would be used in the formulation of a National Perspective Plan for research and development (R&D) in the country’s power sector.
 
 CEA, which has issued the application format and guidelines, said India’s power sector was facing major challenges with the government’s introduction of reforms, along with globalisation and liberalisation policies. With increase in system expansion, stability and security problems have become challenging, the Authority has said in its note.
 
 Former Union Power Minister Suresh Prabhu welcomed the government’s new idea, but said it should, instead of doing fresh research, search past reports. Unfortunately, the government seems to be lacking institutional memory, he told a business newspaper.  
 
 The major thrust areas of R&D in thermal power generation include measures to improve plant availability, reliability, efficiency and safety, besides blending of coal and green technology. In the case of hydro generation, research agencies are to recommend measures to improve performance, renovation and upgrading and improve hydro-environmental interface.