In a strategic move aimed at expanding its energy footprint, NLC India Ltd has announced plans for the establishment of a robust 2,400 MW coal-based power plant in Odisha. The significant initiative, set to be located at the Talabira site in Odisha, is projected to require an investment of Rs 19,422 crore, as confirmed by a statement released by the Ministry of Coal on Wednesday.
Elaborating on the venture, the statement outlined, “NLC has charted an outline for a 3×800 MW thermal power plant in Odisha. The plant’s location is in proximity to the Talabira coal mines of NLC, and the estimated project cost amounts to Rs 19,422 crore.”
Progressing towards realization, the project has made considerable headway in terms of land acquisition and the attainment of related clearances, as revealed by the ministry. It is anticipated that the project will break ground before the culmination of this year, with a comprehensive completion timeline extending until 2028-29.
With respect to its power distribution, the upcoming thermal plant is poised to play a pivotal role. The plant’s capacity will enable the supply of 1,450 MW of power to Tamil Nadu, 100 MW to Puducherry, and a substantial 400 MW to Kerala, as outlined by the Ministry of Coal.
NLC, hailing from Tamil Nadu and operating under the Ministry of Coal, currently oversees operations in the energy sector. Its endeavors encompass three opencast lignite mines situated at Neyveli, collectively boasting an installed capacity of 30 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). Moreover, the company maintains an opencast lignite mine in Barsingsar, Rajasthan, boasting an installed capacity of 2.1 MTPA, in addition to an opencast coal mine at Odisha’s Talabira, boasting an impressive installed capacity of 20 MTPA.
Prasanta Patnaik