Prime Minister Narendra Modi today dedicated Unit-1 of the Ghatampur Thermal Power Project to the nation, marking a critical step in India’s pursuit of energy self-reliance.
Located in Kanpur Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh, the 660 MW unit is part of a three-unit project totalling 1,980 MW capacity, developed by Neyveli Uttar Pradesh Power Ltd (NUPPL). The ₹21,780 crore project is a joint venture between NLC India Limited (51%) and Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (UPRVUNL) (49%). It aims to meet rising electricity demand in Uttar Pradesh and Assam, with 75.12% of the generated power allocated to UP and the remainder to Assam, pending finalisation of equity transfer. The plant incorporates advanced environmental technology including Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) to curb nitrogen and sulphur oxide emissions. A zero liquid discharge (ZLD) system ensures no wastewater leaves the facility, underlining its green compliance.
Equipped with supercritical coal-based boilers operating at 88.81% efficiency, the plant is designed for high-performance, low-emission power generation. It includes a 765 kV GIS system for power evacuation, and a captive coal block capable of producing 9 million tonnes annually to support long-term operations. To further ensure environmental safeguards, the plant is fitted with Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS) and Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (AAQMS). Its reservoir system can store 46 lakh cubic metres of water, and canal lining work across 288 kilometres is expected to save 195 million litres per day by reducing seepage. The remaining two units are scheduled for commissioning by FY 2025–26, and the facility’s coal stockyard can hold over 10 lakh metric tonnes—enough to sustain full-capacity operation for 30 days. Seen as a flagship under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission, the Ghatampur project is expected to generate significant employment and drive socio-economic growth in the region. The Ministry of Coal reaffirmed its commitment to building a power-secure, self-reliant, and environmentally conscious India through such large-scale infrastructure projects.
With the launch of this unit, the government has taken a major stride in boosting power supply to India’s most populous state, while promoting energy efficiency and sustainable development.
