Odisha is on the brink of a substantial power enhancement, with the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) gearing up to contribute an additional 1,463 MW to the state’s power grid. This substantial surge in capacity supplements the existing 933 MW allocated from operational thermal power plants, signifying a pivotal step towards meeting the escalating energy demands of Odisha.
Sudip Nag, the Regional Executive Director (Eastern Region I and II), disclosed this significant development during a media briefing on Thursday. Odisha witnesses a peak power demand ranging from 4,500 MW to 5,000 MW, underscoring the urgency of fortifying the state’s power infrastructure.
Two major projects, the NTPC Darlipali Super Thermal Power Station and the NSPCL Rourkela PP-II Expansion Project, nearing completion, mark a milestone in this endeavor. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to dedicate these projects during his visit to Sambalpur on Saturday. The foundation stone for the NTPC Talcher Thermal Power Project Stage III will also be laid at the same event.
Collectively representing an investment of Rs 28,978 crore in Odisha, these projects underscore the government’s commitment to bolstering the state’s power infrastructure. The infusion of 1,463 MW from these strategic projects is poised to be instrumental in meeting Odisha’s energy needs, fostering economic growth, and ensuring a reliable power supply for its citizens. As Odisha embraces these advancements, the NTPC projects stand as a testament to India’s ongoing efforts to enhance power generation capabilities and address the surging demand for electricity.
Nag emphasized the significance of the Darlipali Super Thermal Power Plant, located in Sundargarh district, as a pit-head power station with high-efficiency technology, supplying low-cost power to beneficiary states. The NSPCL Rourkela project, a 250 MW venture established in the Rourkela Steel Plant, plays a crucial role in providing reliable power for the steel plant, vital for economic growth.
He further elaborated on the ongoing development of the Talcher Thermal Power Project Stage III, emphasizing its strategic location within the old TTPS Plant premises in Angul district, taken over by NTPC from the Odisha State Electricity Board in 1995. These projects collectively exemplify Odisha’s commitment to sustainable and efficient power generation, contributing significantly to the nation’s energy landscape.
Additionally, Nag shared insights into NTPC’s broader ventures, including the acquisition of the KSK Mahanadi power station in Chattisgarh, a stressed asset with a proposed 3,600 MW capacity. Valued at Rs 5,000 crore, this acquisition marks a substantial move in NTPC’s strategic expansion, adding to its diverse power portfolio.
In conclusion, Nag’s briefing highlighted the positive trajectory of Odisha’s power sector, showcasing collaborative efforts between the government and NTPC to fortify the state’s energy backbone, ensuring a brighter and more empowered future for its residents.
Prasanta Patnaik