 "OPGC seeks bridge coal linkage for 1320 Mw expansion")
The coal linkage would help bridge the gap between synchronisation of the ongoing 1320 Mw expansion plan and production of coal from its allocated blocks - Manoharpur and dip side of Manoharpur. The expansion plan is expected to be commissioned by the end of 2017-18. But coal production is set to begin only in March 2019 and reach its peak rated capacity by March 2022.
Both the blocks have been allocated to Odisha Coal & Power Ltd (OCPL), a 51:49 joint venture (JV) between OPGC and another state entity Odisha Hydro Power Generation Corporation (OHPC). OCPL was a joint venture floated by the state government since OPGC having 49 per cent equity by a private player (US-based AES Ltd), was not eligible for securing a coal block under the PSU dispensation route.
In his letter to Coal Secretary Anil Swarup, OPGC Chairman and Odisha's Principal Secretary (Energy) Rajesh Verma reiterated on the need for allocating coal linkage to cater to OPGC's expansion. He said, OPGC has already spent Rs 2,900 crore (till December end) on the expansion plan.
OPGC runs a 420 Mw (2x210) plant presently at the station. The expansion plan would add 1320 Mw capacity to the power station. The expansion plan is being taken up at a cost of Rs 11,547 crore which also includes cost of other components like coal block development and dedicated rail corridor.
The state owned generator has already started construction work on its expansion. To fund the expansion, OPGC has already tied up funding of Rs 8,660 crore from Power Finance Corporation (PFC) and Rural Electrification (REC), by executing a loan agreement with the two Central PSUs. The balance funding is to be borne proportionately by the Odisha government and AES which hold 51 per cent and 49 per cent stake respectively in OPGC.
Power equipment major Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) has bagged Rs 4051 crore contract from OPGC for supply and erection of the main plant for 1320 Mw capacity expansion pursued by the thermal power producer.
The Balance of Plant (BoP) contract valued at Rs 1573 crore was bagged by BGR Energy Systems. The contract includes supply, erection and commissioning of the BoP for OPGC's two units to be added at its plant .
