Power Plants in Odisha by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate three power plants by NTPC Ltd. and one by NLC India Ltd. in Odisha on February 3. This announcement was made in separate press statements by the two public sector undertakings on February 2. The news was initially reported by Moneycontrol on January 29, revealing PM Modi’s plan to launch projects worth nearly Rs 69,000 crore in Odisha in February, with a significant portion dedicated to coal and power projects.
NTPC, one of India’s largest power generation companies, will witness the dedication of the Darlipali Super Thermal Power Station (2×800 MW) and the NSPCL Rourkela PP Expansion Project (1×250 MW) by PM Modi during his visit. Additionally, the foundation stone for NTPC’s Talcher Thermal Power Project (2×660 MW) will also be laid. NTPC stated that the total investment for these thermal power projects amounts to Rs 28,978 crore.
The inauguration of NLC India’s Talabira Thermal Power Project (3 x 800 MW) is another highlight of PM Modi’s visit to Odisha. This power plant holds significance as it is currently the largest thermal power plant planned under the Ministry of Coal. The Talabira ultra-supercritical thermal power plant has a planned capacity of 3,200 MW.
In phase-I, three units of 800 MW each are expected to be commissioned by 2028–29. In phase II, an additional 800 MW unit will be operationalized. The execution of phase I has been awarded to Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. (BHEL), with the tender for the second phase to be conducted later. The estimated project cost for the Talabira Thermal Power Project is Rs 27,213 crore, according to NLC India.
The inauguration of these power plants in Odisha is a significant step towards enhancing the country’s power generation capacity. The Darlipali Super Thermal Power Station, with a capacity of 1600 MW, will contribute to meeting the growing energy demands of the region. The NSPCL Rourkela PP Expansion Project will add 250 MW to the power grid. Furthermore, the Talcher Thermal Power Project, with a capacity of 1320 MW, will strengthen the power infrastructure in the state.
The Talabira Thermal Power Project by NLC India is a crucial development in the country’s energy sector. With a planned capacity of 3200 MW, the project will play a vital role in meeting the rising power demands of the nation. The use of ultra-supercritical technology will ensure higher efficiency and lower emissions, aligning with the government’s commitment to sustainable and clean energy solutions.
In the past two years, India has experienced surges in its peak electricity demand, despite facing challenges in expanding its renewable energy capacity to meet its target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. India and China were two of the nations opposed to the total phase-out of coal at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference or COP for short. The nation has since adopted a more assertive stance and chosen to increase its coal capacity by 80–87 GW by 2030.
The PM will also unveil projects from the Department of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the Ministry of Railways, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the Ministry of Education (worth Rs 400 crore), and the Postal Service, in addition to efforts from the Ministries of Power and Coal.
The inauguration of these power plants not only signifies the government’s commitment to expanding the power sector but also highlights the importance of public sector undertakings in driving growth and development. The projects launched by PM Modi in Odisha will not only contribute to the state’s economic progress but also create employment opportunities and improve the quality of life for the people.
In conclusion, the inauguration of three power plants by NTPC Ltd. and one by NLC India Ltd. in Odisha is a significant milestone in the country’s power sector. The dedication of these projects by Prime Minister Narendra Modi demonstrates the government’s commitment to expanding the power infrastructure and meeting the growing energy demands of the nation. These power plants will play a crucial role in driving economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and ensuring a sustainable and reliable power supply for the people of Odisha.