EAC backs thermal power expansions worth over Rs 29,000 crore
The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for Thermal Power projects has recommended environmental clearance for thermal power expansion projects in Chhattisgarh and Odisha involving a combined proposed investment of more than Rs 29,000 crore. The projects will add 2,920 MW of generation capacity through ultra-supercritical units.
Korba expansion
In Chhattisgarh, the EAC recommended environmental clearance for Korba Power Limited’s proposal to expand its thermal power plant capacity from 1,920 MW to 3,520 MW through the addition of two 800 MW ultra-supercritical units. The proposed investment for the project is Rs 16,611 crore.
The committee directed the company to ensure 100% ash utilisation, develop a greenbelt around the ash pond periphery, and install a 275-metre stack.
The project does not involve diversion of forest land. However, several villages and schools are located within 1.5 km of the project site.
Water requirements for the project will be sourced from the Hasdeo River, while coal supply will be arranged through rail transportation from mines operated by South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL).
OPGCL project
The EAC also recommended environmental clearance for Odisha Power Generation Corporation Limited’s (OPGCL) proposal to expand the Banaharpalli thermal power plant in Jharsuguda district from 1,740 MW to 3,060 MW.
The expansion project involves the installation of two 660 MW ultra-supercritical units at an estimated cost of Rs 12,717 crore.
As part of the clearance conditions, the committee directed OPGCL to remove around 144 lakh tonnes of legacy ash from its Stage-I ash ponds within five years, reducing the timeline from the nine years proposed by the company.
The committee also instructed OPGCL to install a 60 MW solar plant as an environmental conservation measure and develop a thick greenbelt along the Hirakud Reservoir, which is a Ramsar site located adjacent to the ash pond.
In addition, OPGCL has been directed to comply with pending orders issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Odisha Human Rights Commission related to the December 2023 ash pond breach.
The featured photograph is for representation only.
