EAC reviews four major thermal power proposals in 35th meeting

The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for Thermal Power Projects under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), in its 35th meeting on December 24, 2025, examined four major coal-based thermal power proposals. The Committee deferred one, returned two for major gaps, and recommended Terms of Reference for one project with conditions.

The committee reviewed an application from the Tamil Nadu Power Generation Corporation Limited (TNPGCL) for a fresh Environmental Clearance (EC) for its Udangudi 2×660 MW Supercritical Thermal Power Project Stage-I. The project, originally cleared for 2×800 MW in 2013 and amended in 2017, failed to commission before its EC expired in October 2024, with construction only 82.85% complete. TNPGCL also proposed changing the fuel mix to a 50:50 blend of imported and domestic coal. The EAC deferred the proposal, citing serious lapses, including incomplete land acquisition documents, poor compliance with previous EC conditions, and inadequate greenbelt development. TNPGCL must submit a host of corrective reports and documents before the project can be reconsidered.

A proposal from Jhabua Power Limited (JPL) to add a 1×800 MW unit, expanding its Madhya Pradesh plant to 1400 MW, was returned for major inconsistencies. The EAC noted a lack of clarity on technology, discrepancies in land area details, incomplete baseline air quality data, and conflicting information on water requirements. The committee found the submission “casual” and advised JPL to rectify all issues and submit a harmonised application for fresh appraisal.

MEIL Anpara Energy Limited sought an amendment to its EC for a 2×600 MW plant in Sonebhadra to exempt it from installing Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) units, citing low coal sulphur content. The EAC rejected the application, citing discrepancies in ambient air quality data between the company and the state pollution board, exceedances in particulate matter (PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅) levels, and a lack of an action plan to reduce stack particulate emissions. The proponent must address these gaps and resubmit.

The EAC recommended granting Terms of Reference (ToR) for a new 3200 MW (4×800 MW) ultra-super critical plant in Dhubri District, Assam, proposed on 585 hectares of non-forest land. Noting the site’s sensitivity, within 5.2 km of the Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary and in a high-seismic zone, the committee imposed strict conditions. These include conducting detailed studies on biodiversity, hydrology, and seismic risk, ensuring zero liquid discharge, and developing a 25% greenbelt. The project must also submit action plans for public health and sustainable development goals.

The featured photograph is for representation only.