Coal news and updates

NLC to invest Rs 29,239 cr in coal, power projects in 12th Plan

November 13:  Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited (NLC), the government-owned lignite mining and power generating company, plans to invest Rs 29,239 crore in coal and power sectors during the 12th Plan, said Sriprakash Jaiswal, Union Minister of Coal, to members of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee.

An official release said, of the total investments, Rs 26,728.40 crore will be invested in developing power projects while Rs 2,510.70 crore will be channelled into coal projects.

The release also said that by 2016-17, lignite production in the country is expected to reach 290.16 million tons.

During the 12th Plan period NLC planned expansion of a number of its ongoing projects which include mines at Neyveli and Barsingsar (Rajasthan) and power plant at Tuticorin (Tamil Nadu).

NLC has also planned to set up a wind farm at an investment of Rs 364.75 crore and solar power project at an investment of Rs 13,319 crore, the release added.

The release said that underground coal gasification (UCG) project of NLC in Raneri, Rajasthan, will be taken up through a suitable developer through the competitive bidding route. The UCG projects in Rajasthan and Gujarat will be implemented via a joint venture with ONGC.