Expert panel okays amendment of environment nod for power project.

The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) on environmental impact assessment has recommended amending the environment clearance (EC) for downsizing the Udangudi 'super critical' imported coal-based thermal power plants from 2x800 MW to 2x660 MW.

The amendment to the EC has been allowed after the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) paid a compensation of ₹64 crore and bought out shares held by Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. (BHEL) in the project proponent, Udangudi Power Corporation Ltd. (UPCL), a joint venture company.

“The government of Tamil Nadu decided to execute the project under State sector, and to terminate the joint venture. Tangedco has now decided to execute the project,” the EAC noted.

The Environment Ministry had issued an EC in favour of UPCL on October 14, 2013, for setting up the 2x800 MW project. UPCL, on February 10, 2017, had submitted an application seeking amendments to the EC granted earlier for the 2x800 MW project and the transfer of the EC to Tangedco.

The EAC also noted that Tangedco had become the sole owner of the company and was continuing the project activities. “In view of this, the EC may be transferred to Tangedco,” the EAC said.

Tangedco had sought downsizing of the units from 800MW to 660 MW “to have uniformity in sizes and to have ease of managing spares.”

With this downsizing, the projected pollution load is also expected to reduce, while the requirement of imported coal is set to reduce from 4.39 metric tonnes per annum to 3.83 metric tonnes per annum.

While asking UPCL to apply separately for transferring the EC to Tangedco, the committee also recommended amending the environment clearance for the downsizing of the project.

THE HINDU