MCL Mulls Doubling Capacity of Sundargarh Thermal Power

Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) is considering an expansion of its upcoming thermal power plant in Sundargarh district, Odisha. The plan involves adding 2,400 MW in the second phase, which would bring the total capacity of the unit to 4,000 MW.

The first phase of the project, with a capacity of 1,600 MW, is expected to commence work in the next financial year and is anticipated to be commissioned in 2028. The land allocated for the project was originally intended for the Bedabahal ultra-mega power project, which had a planned capacity of 4,000 MW but was eventually scrapped. MCL acquired the land from PFC Consulting for its current project.

The Ministry of Power has revised its thermal capacity requirement projection, increasing it to 80 GW by 2031-32. The ministry is actively promoting large-scale diversification and has advised its subsidiaries, including MCL, to explore the establishment of new pithead thermal power plants.

Given the growing demand for power in the country, coal companies, including MCL, are expected to play a crucial role in the additional capacity required to meet the growing energy needs. The emphasis on diversification and the expansion of thermal power plants aligns with the government's goals to ensure a reliable and diverse energy mix to meet the nation's increasing energy demands.

News by Rahul Yelligetti