NTPC inks deal with Punjab for thermal power project

Public sector undertaking National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) today signed a power purchase agreement with Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd (PSPCL) for a 2,640-Mw coal-based thermal power project at Gidderbaha, being undertaken at a cost of Rs 15,000 crore.

Punjab has also agreed to facilitate acquisition of land, allocation of water and has conveyed an in-principle clearance for about 2,316 acres of land and 125 cusecs of water for the project. It has already issued notification under Section 4 of the Land Acquisition Act for 2,316 acres land for the project. The plant, consisting of four units of 660 Mw each, would be entirely funded by NTPC. At least 50 per cent of the power from the plant will be allocated to Punjab. NTPC has sought a long-term coal linkage from the Union coal ministry. The state will also extend co-operation in obtaining the coal linkage for the project.

PSPCL will provide NTPC with all the reports for the studies or investigations, including EIA (environment impact assessment), conducted at the site for the preparation of feasibility report. The cost incurred on all such reports will be reimbursed by NTPC. PSPCL will enter into a power purchase agreement with NTPC for the purchase of power allocated from the proposed project. The rates for the sale of power shall be as determined by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission.

With the setting up of the Giddarbaha thermal plant by NTPC, the work on the five mega thermal plants at Talwandi Sabo, Goindwal, Rajpura and Mansa, including Giddarbaha, with a combined generation capacity of 10,590 Mw and a combined investment of Rs 52,800, has been put on full throttle.

Besides, Punjab would get 2,272 Mw share in investment made by the state in ultra mega thermal plants setup outside the state. The Punjab government has been able to secure from the central government 1,966 Mw from the central share in the new plants under construction, of which 200 Mw would be from Nuclear Plants. Moreover one 1,000-Mw gas based power project was being setup at Ropar. The state government was also proposing additional 500 Mw from GNDTP Bathinda extension and another 500 from GHTP Lehra Mohabat extension stage-III.

On the Hydro power front, the state is all set to get 168 Mw Shahpur Kandi Hydro, 75 Mw from UPDC stage-III, Mukerian hydel Stage II in addition 500 Mw power would be produced from 32 biomass power plants.