NTPC to build 6,400 MW mega power plant in Jharkhand

NTPC will set up the country's biggest power plant in Jharkhand, with an annual generation capacity of 6,400 MW, in joint venture with state power utility Jharkhand Bidyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd (JBVNL).

Jharkhand government and the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Ltd on Sunday signed an agreement for taking up the Patratu Thermal Power Station (PTPS) through a joint venture company to be promoted by NTPC and Jharkhand Bidyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd (JBVNL).

NTPC will hold 74 per cent equity in the JV with JBVNL holding the remain9ing 26 per cent.

The joint venture company will undertake performance improvement and 4,000 MW capacity expansion of the Patratu Thermal Power Station (PTPS).

Under the performance improvement programme, the plant load factor (PLF) of the power station will be raised from 15 per cent to 82 per cent, to give more power to Jharkhand immediately.

The capacity expansion will be completed in two phases - 3x800 MW and 2x800 MW, tentatively by 2024-25.

The capacity expansion of PTPS will help provide cheap and affordable 24X7 power supply to every household and meets the needs of farmers in Jharkhand, according to an official release.

Besides, it will help promote rapid industrialisation which will provide massive employment to youth of Jharkhand, the release added.

The Jharkhand government will become a partner in this project without investing any additional capital.

The JV company will give employment to all the employees working in this old station and will increase earning opportunities to many service providers to this important project of the size of a UMPP.

The expanded power plant will require around 1,860 acres and the state would provide water linkage to the JVC, the release added.