Jharkhand's Power Giant: 2,400 MW Green Thermal Project by BHEL & NLC

NLC India has recently granted a contract to Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) to establish a cutting-edge, environmentally friendly thermal power project with a 2,400 MW capacity in the Jharsuguda district of Odisha.

This comprehensive contract encompasses the engineering, manufacturing, supply, erection, and commissioning of various essential equipment, including boilers, turbines, generators, balance of plants (BoP), flue gas desulphurization (FGD), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) for the first stage of the project, totaling 2,400 MW (3x800 MW). The project adopts ultra supercritical technology and has secured power purchase agreements (PPAs) for the entire 2,400 MW capacity with Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Kerala, and Puducherry.

The first unit of this extensive engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) initiative is anticipated to commence operations in the financial year 2028-29. Positioned as a pit head thermal project, it is poised to present a competitive variable cost, reinforcing NLC India's commitment to delivering cost-effective power to its stakeholders.

The Ministry of Coal has confirmed the availability of coal linkage for this thermal project from the 20 million tonne per annum (MTPA) Talabira II & III mines of NLCIL, operational since 2020 in Jharsuguda and Sambalpur districts of Odisha. To align with stringent environmental standards, the project will integrate state-of-the-art pollution control technologies such as FGD and SCR.

Moreover, the design of the boilers allows for the co-firing of biomass, aligning with green initiatives outlined by the Ministry. The project's water requirements will be met through a link to the Hirakud Reservoir, and the power generated will be efficiently evacuated through the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) and State Transmission Utility (STU) Network.

Notably, in January, BHEL secured a significant Rs 19,422 crore turnkey contract for the construction of a thermal power plant in Talabira, Odisha, reinforcing its strategic partnership with NLC India.

News by Rahul Yelligetti