JSW, Torrent Power get EAC nod for 1,600 MW coal plants in West Bengal, MP

The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for Thermal Projects has recommended environmental clearance for two coal-based ultra-supercritical power projects of 1,600 MW each at its 40th meeting. The proposals, submitted by JSW Thermal Energy Limited and Torrent Power Limited, each comprise two units of 800 MW and adopt similar configurations, including domestic coal sourcing under the SHAKTI (Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala Transparently in India) policy, rail-based fuel transport, and zero liquid discharge systems.  

JSW project in West Bengal

JSW Thermal Energy Limited’s project is proposed in Salboni tehsil of Paschim Medinipur district, West Bengal. It covers 724.38 hectares across 19 villages, including Arabari, Dubrajpur, Kulpheni, and Asnasuli. The total project cost is Rs 14,070 crore, of which Rs 2,547.5 crore is allocated for environmental measures.

The plant will require 8.85 million tonnes of coal annually, sourced from IB Valley and Talcher coalfields of Mahanadi Coalfields Limited. Water demand is estimated at 100,000 cubic metres per day, to be drawn from the Rupnarayan River through a 60 km pipeline.

The design includes a 275-metre twin flue stack and a three-tier greenbelt over 239.05 hectares, with a minimum width of 50 metres along the boundary. Fly ash utilisation is planned across cement, brick, and road applications, supported by a 70.14-hectare HDPE-lined ash pond.

The company has committed Rs 35 crore under Corporate Environment Responsibility (CER) for healthcare, education, water supply, sanitation, and livelihood activities. Employment generation is estimated at 4,124 during construction and 2,460 during operations. The Terms of Reference (ToR) were issued on July 26, 2025. The environmental clearance, once granted, will be valid for 30 years. Additional conditions include ambient air quality monitoring, seismic studies, phased electric vehicle adoption, and a wildlife conservation plan with an outlay of Rs 1 crore.

Torrent project in Madhya Pradesh

Torrent Power Limited’s project is located in Anuppur tehsil of Anuppur district, Madhya Pradesh. It spans 341.85 hectares across Raksha, Kolmi, and Daikhal villages, with a total project cost of Rs 23,740 crore.

Coal requirement is estimated at 8.5 million tonnes per annum, with sulphur content capped at below 0.33%. Water requirement is 72,456 cubic metres per day, sourced from the Sone River, with specific consumption below 3 cubic metres per MWh.

The greenbelt will cover 113.66 hectares, accounting for 33.25% of the project area. The ash pond is limited to 44.43 hectares. Torrent Power has allocated Rs 37.85 crore under CER.

The site does not involve forest land and has no national parks, tiger reserves, elephant reserves, or wildlife corridors within a 10 km radius. Project-specific conditions include protection of the Jhitku Nala, installation of a 5 MW solar plant, and periodic epidemiological studies in surrounding areas.

Both projects will move to the next stage of appraisal, subject to compliance with the prescribed environmental conditions.

The featured photograph is for representation only.