NTPC aims peak capacity from Odisha's Dulanga coal block in two years

The coal block will feed state-owned NTPC's 1600 Mw super thermal power plant at Darlipalli near Sundargarh in Odisha.

NTPC, the country’s biggest power generator is eyeing coal production of 1.92 million tonnes (mt) from it captive Dulanga coal block in this financial year (FY20). The coal block will feed NTPC’s upcoming 1600-Mw super thermal power plant at Darlipalli near Sundargarh (Odisha). 

According to minutes of the meeting held by the Ministry of Coal to appraise the status of allocated coal blocks, NTPC targets to scale up coal production capacity from the Dulanga block to 7 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) within two years. The maharatna company has informed the ministry that the problems related to rehabilitation of homestead oustees or project affected persons has been ironed out.

Odisha is entitled to 50 per cent share of power from NTPC’s Darlipalli station. 

Among other major allotees, Bharat Aluminium Company (BALCO) has commenced production from Chotia coal block in October 2018 and hopes to reach peak rated capacity (PRC) in the current financial year. 

Hindalco Industries has achieved 90 per cent of PRC in 2018-19 from Gare Palma IV/4 block. The underground deposits from this coal block have been almost exhausted. In this fiscal year, the full PRC will be achieved through open pit mining. From Gare Palma IV/5 block, the company was able to produce only 50 per cent of the scheduled targeted production.

In case of Gare Palma Sector III block allocated to Chhattisgarh Power Generation Corporation, permits to open the mine have been granted in March 2019.