"Uttar Pradesh Government Plans ₹18,000 Crore Investment in Coal-Fired Power Plant"

In a strategic move to bolster electricity production within the state, the Uttar Pradesh government is set to invest over Rs. 18,000 crore in a new coal-fired thermal power plant located in Sonbhadra district. The proposed thermal power unit, named 'Anpara E,' will be established by Meja Utpadan Nigam Private Limited, a joint venture between NTPC and UP Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (UPRVUNL).

This initiative aligns with recent reports indicating that the Government of India is exploring measures to facilitate funding for new coal-fired thermal power plants, given the substantial surge in electricity demand. The Anpara E project, boasting a capacity of 1,600 Megawatts (MW), is estimated to cost around Rs. 18,624 crore, as confirmed by UPRVUNL Chairman Ashish Kumar Goel. The proposal for the Anpara E unit has received approval from the Nigam Board and is slated to be forwarded to the state government for further consideration.

Simultaneously, UPRVUNL is gearing up to commission the first phase of two under-construction thermal power plants, namely Obra C (2x660 MW) and Jawaharpur (2x660 MW), situated in Sonbhadra and Etah districts, respectively. Given the heightened energy demand during summer months, the Uttar Pradesh power utility is working diligently to ensure the readiness of various thermal power projects in the pipeline or undergoing overhaul by January of the coming year.

In addition to focusing on enhancing power generation through thermal projects, the state is also taking measures to address the safe disposal of fly ash generated during coal combustion at the plants. The utilization of fly ash in road construction, brick making, concrete blocks, and cement blending is being actively pursued.

With the current daily energy demand reaching 28,000 MW, the state is diversifying its power generation strategies to meet the needs of various consumer segments, including domestic, industrial, agricultural, and commercial sectors. Uttar Pradesh aims to build a comprehensive green energy portfolio, minimizing environmental impact from thermal projects, and targeting a long-term solar energy generation capacity of 25,000 MW. Energy Minister AK Sharma disclosed plans to invite bids for nearly 7,000 MW of solar energy, with an initial phase floating bids for 4,000 MW, followed by an additional 3,000 MW in subsequent phases.

This shift towards solar energy is anticipated to aid state power utilities in mitigating financial losses estimated at Rs. 46 crore per day, attributed to factors such as line losses, subsidized power, and sub-optimal bill realization. The state has also formulated solar energy and bioenergy policies, with a hydro energy policy in the works, set to be announced soon.

BS