CoalMin to issue blocks for NTPC's thermal power plants

The Coal Ministry will soon allocate coal blocks to NTPC's proposed four thermal power plants, including 500 MW Unchahar Thermal Power Station in Raibareilly, Uttar Pradesh.

The ministry has given in-principle approval for allocation of coal blocks (through government dispensation route) to NTPC's power projects -- 500 MW in Raibareilly, UP; 1,600 MW at Kudgi in Karnataka; 1,600 MW at Gajmara in Orissa and 3,960 MW at Berethi in Madhya Pradesh, Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal said.

However, the minister said that coal blocks for the proposed power plants were yet to be identified. "As soon as the blocks be identified, the information would be put on the ministry's website."

"The ministry is trying its best to provide sufficient coal to power plants in Uttar Pradesh. To overcome shortage of power in the state, the Centre has approved two power projects in the state. These include one power project on 2,000 MW at Ghatampur in Kanpur ...And other at Bilhor in Kanpur of 1,320 MW by NTPC," he said.

The power generation capacity of NTPC is over 34,000 MW and 14,000 MW projects are under various stages of construction.

NTPC generates over 34,000 MW electricity with 15 coal-based and seven gas-based power stations besides six joint ventures or subsidiary power projects across the country.

It has set an ambitious target of taking overall power generation to 75,000 MW by 2017.