Orissa inks MoUs for 9,780 Mw

The Orissa government has signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with eight Independent Power Producers (IPPs) for the generation of 9,780 Mw in the state. This will take the total envisaged generation capacity of the proposed IPPs in the state to 27,035 Mw.

The eight companies will invest Rs 42,023 crore in these projects, taking the total proposed investment by IPPs to more than Rs 1,12,000 crore in the state.

The companies, which signed MoUs, are Astharanga Power Company Ltd, Sahara India Power Corporation, Ind-Barath Energy (Utkal) Ltd, Jindal Steel and Power Ltd, Visaka Thermal Power Pvt Ltd, Kalinga Energy, Arati Steel and Chambal Infrastructures and Ventures Ltd.

The state Energy Secretary PK Jena and representatives of these IPPs signed the papers in the presence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

Speaking on the occasion Patnaik said, To achieve the development vision, the state should ensure power to all by 2012. Orissa Power Transmission Corporation Ltd (OPTCL) has embarked upon its vision 2025 plan to build and maintain an efficient transmission system.

Stating that the progress in the power sector has been heartening, Patnaik said, the state has already added 1,400 Mw through captive power plants (CPPs). About 1,000 Mw will be added during 2009 by the IPPs. However, he advised the companies to emphasise on safeguarding the environment.

“The power projects must be implemented in harmony with the natural environment and the stakeholders around. A sound environment management and rehabilitation and resettlement plan need to be an integral part of each project,” he added.