Coal panel recommends bridge linkage for NTPC plant

The state-run power firm is at an advanced stage of commissioning the power station, which is estimated to cost Rs 12,000 crore

The standing linkage (long-term) committee on coal under Ministry of Coal (MoC) has recommended grant of bridge linkage to NTPC's 1,600 Mw super thermal power plant proposed at Darlipalli in Odisha's Sundargarh district.

NTPC is at an advanced stage of commissioning the power station that is estimated to cost Rs 12,000 crore.

Coal India Ltd (CIL) would offer the bridge linkage for a period of three years.

Though NTPC has won the Dulanga coal block linked to the Darlipalli project, production from the block would begin only in 2019-20 as per the Coal Mines Development and Production Agreement.The power plant, however, is expected to be commissioned in February 2018. Hence, in 2006, NTPC had requested for grant of long-term coal linkage for the Darlipalli super thermal power station.

NTPC is also setting up a medical college and hospital at a cost of Rs 417 crore linked to the Darlipalli project.The project would draw coal from the Dulanga block allocated to the maharatna PSU. NTPC hopes to commence mining from this coal block after obtaining all the clearances, said Kumar.

Presently, NTPC has an installed capacity of 3,720 Mw in the eastern region II. Odisha has a share of 1,576 Mw from NTPC power stations located within and outside the state.

Power plants under Eastern Region II include Talcher Thermal Power Station (460 Mw), Talcher Super Thermal Power Station- Kaniha (3000 Mw), 10 Mw solar power plant at Kaniha and one unit of 250 Mw at Bongaigaon (Assam).

 

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