PM Modi To Lay Foundation Stone Of Talabira Thermal Power Project Of NLC India Limited

In furtherance of the vision of the Prime Minister to promote setting up of Thermal Power Plants at pit-head so as to reduce cost of transportation of coal, the Ministry of Coal has planned Thermal Power Plants to be set up by coal CPSUs. Government has approved setting up of 3 x 800 MW Ultra Super Critical Thermal Power Plant at Talabira through NLCIL. NLCIL has been allotted Talabira coal mines with total reserves of 553 million tonne (MT) with 23 MT Peak rated capacity. On getting operational, this pit-head plant will generate electricity at a cost of Rs. 3.65 per unit (Rs. 2.40 fixed cost and Rs.1.25 variable cost) (approx.) which is amongst the cheapest power produced by TPPs in the country.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is slated to lay the foundation stone for NLC India Limited’s (NLCIL) 2,400 MegaWatt Supercritical Thermal power plant in Sambalpur, Odisha, on February 3, 2024. The foundation stone for the Neyveli Lignite Corporation India Limited (NLCIL) Talabira Thermal power project, valued at over ₹27,000 Crore, will be laid, perfectly aligning with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. This state-of-the-art project is positioned to provide reliable, affordable and continuous power, making a significant contribution to the nation’s energy security and playing a crucial role in driving economic growth.

This pithead power station will be intricately linked to NLCIL’s captive coal blocks, Talabira II and III, ensuring sustainability. The thermal power plant boasts higher efficiency, reduced carbon footprint and an impressive 10% eco-friendly biomass co-firing initiative.

Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) have already secured the supply of 800 MW to Odisha, 1,500 MW to Tamil Nadu, 400 MW to Kerala, and 100 MW to Puducherry. The engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract for the Main Plant, valued at ₹18,255 crore, has been awarded to BHEL. The first 800 MW unit is expected to be commissioned in 52 months from the zero date, with subsequent units coming online at intervals of six months.

This landmark project is a substantial leap towards fortifying India’s energy resilience, representing a pivotal stride in embracing sustainable and eco-friendly energy solutions. It underlines our commitment to a greener future and stands as a beacon of progress in the nation’s pursuit of energy security and environmental stewardship.

In line with the principles of PM GatiShakti National Master Plan for providing multi-model connectivity and to reduce logistics cost by enhancing efficiency, the Ministry of Coal has undertaken large scale infrastructure augmentation to further step up efficient evacuation of coal. With an objective to augment railway network in coal producing areas, Joint Venture of CIL, IRCON and Government of Odisha have been formed as “Mahanadi Coal Rail Ltd”. CIL has funded critical rail infrastructure projects for laying of additional rail lines, doubling of existing rail lines, construction of Rail-over-Rail (ROR), Y-curves etc.

Across subsidiaries, CIL has planned to set up mechanized coal transportation infrastructure from pit-head to railway loading point by construction of First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects. Total over 100 FMC projects for all larger mines have been planned. These projects on one hand improve the loading efficiency, reduce loading time and on the other hand contribute in reducing emission and pollution.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate pivotal projects of Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) in Odisha on 3rd February 2024. Among these is the Bhubaneswari Phase-I, a First Mile Connectivity (FMC) project in Talcher Coalfields, Angul district, built at a cost of Rs 335 crore will reduce rake loading time to approximately 50 minutes, introduce eco-friendly transportation, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce coal transportation costs.

Another important project is the Lajkura Rapid Loading System (RLS), constructed at an investment of about Rs. 375 crore. This system is designed to enhance coal quality and supply, achieving a loading time of around 50 minutes, embracing eco-friendly transportation, minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing overall coal transportation costs. These endeavors not only significantly alleviate environmental impact but also create valuable employment opportunities for the local youth.

In addition to these milestone projects, the Prime Minister will also inaugurate IB Valley Washery, built at a cost of over Rs. 550 crore in Jharsuguda district of Odisha. This project will mark a paradigm shift in coal processing for quality, signifying innovation and sustainability raising the bar for coal quality standards and aligning with India’s vision for cleaner and more efficient energy solutions.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister will dedicate a 50 km long second track of the Jharsuguda-Barpali-Sardega rail line Phase-1 to the nation, built by Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL)with an investment of Rs. 878 crore. This expansion is poised to significantly enhance rail infrastructure, facilitating seamless transportation and ensuring efficient coal supply chains.

With a combined investment of approximately Rs. 2145 crore, these endeavors underscore the government’s commitment to strengthening coal infrastructure for a consistent and efficient energy supply. These projects are expected to bring significant benefits to the coal industry in Odisha and contribute to the country’s energy security.