NLC India investing Rs 35,000 cr to set up 3,200-MW plant in Odisha

Hyderabad: NLC India Ltd, a Navratna Public Sector Enterprise under the aegis of Ministry of Coal, is setting up a 2,400-MW coal-based Ultra Super Critical Pit Head Thermal Power Project at Talabira in Jharsuguda district of Odisha with an estimated cost of Rs 27,212 crore and further 800-MW is also planned in the second phase with investment of over Rs 8,000 crore approximately.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone for the Phase-1 of NLC India Talabira Thermal Power Project today (February 3, 2024).This is the largest Greenfield Pithead Thermal Power Station envisaged in the country in the recent past that ensures energy security of the country and power the growth of the nation.

“This project is a standing example of Atmanirbhar Bharat with indigenous equipment and an apt example of fulfilling the Prime Minister’s vision of establishing more pit head thermal power stations in mission mode owing to its inherent benefits,” said Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), NLC India Ltd.

“The first phase of the project (3 X 800 MW) will be completed in 52 months from today. It is expected to commission by FY 2028-29. Once started working, it will supply 1,787 crore units of electricity to Odisha and other States,” he informed media, while addressing a virtual press conference along with senior officers of the company.

The CMD further said, “This project would generate huge employment opportunities, both during construction and operation phases of the station. Apart from direct employment, a lot of indirect employment opportunities will be generated by this project. This project will significantly boost socio-economic development transforming the lives of people in

the region.”

Leveraging on the cost benefits of a pit head project, the coal for the units will be fed from adjacent Talabira II and III operational mines of NLC India Ltd through eco-friendly conveyor system without involving costly road and rail transportation. The project would be able to supply power at one of the cheapest tariffs among all thermal power stations in the country. In addition to higher efficiency, this upcoming new power plant is equipped with latest environment friendly designs of Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) for SOx control, Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) for NOx control, 10 per cent eco-friendly biomass co-firing, solid waste management and Effluent Treatment System.