The Indian government, through the coal ministry, has outlined plans to establish six massive power plants near coalfields across the country.
Each of these coal-based power plants is projected to have a capacity of 5,000 megawatts, totalling an impressive 30 gigawatts (GW) capacity. The selected locations for these plants include coal-rich regions in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Jharkhand. The initiative involves joint ventures (JVs) between the government, private power companies, and state-owned electricity generators. Under these JVs, state-owned coal companies will hold stakes in the power plants, while the coal ministry will facilitate with land allocation, coal supply, or financial support. To expedite the project, the coal ministry is actively acquiring land near the coalfields and is engaging in discussions with potential partners. The commencement of project work is slated to begin post the general elections.
With a targeted generation capacity of 30 GW, the project aims to replicate the successful model of the Shaktinagar coalfield region, known for its significant coal production and electricity generation contribution. The move is driven by the understanding that transporting electricity is more cost-effective than transporting coal, thus aligning with economic interests. This initiative comes at a time when India is striving to meet its burgeoning energy demands and reduce reliance on expensive coal imports. As per projections, India’s total installed capacity requirement by 2031-32 is expected to surpass 900 GW, necessitating substantial expansion in both fossil and non-fossil-based capacities. Furthermore, the Central Electricity Authority has outlined plans to increase coal-based capacity to 283,000 MW by FY 2032, underscoring the significance of initiatives like the proposed mega power plants in achieving national energy targets. The government’s endeavour to establish mega power plants near coalfields signifies a strategic shift towards energy self-sufficiency and underscores its commitment to addressing the nation’s energy needs in a sustainable and economically viable manner.
