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NTPC lays foundation stone of first 800-MW unit in MP

February 20: NTPC Limited, India's largest power utility, has laid the foundation stone of its first 800-MW unit in Madhya Pradesh which is a part of the 1,600-MW Stage-I, Gadarwara Super Thermal Power Project, the company said in a release.

The foundation stone was laid by Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister of State for Power in the presence of Rajender Shukla, the Energy Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Suresh Pachauri, former Union Minister, R N Choubey, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Power, Government of India, Arup Roy Choudhury, CMD, NTPC, and other senior dignitaries from the state government, Ministry of Power and NTPC.

"With the coming of this project, Narsighpur will become the power capital of Madhya Pradesh," Scindia said.

In his address, Arup Roy Choudhury, CMD, NTPC, said three new projects are coming up in the state of Madhya Pradesh, at Gadarwara, Barethi and Khargone. He assured of sustainability, CSR and sound environmental practices at all the upcoming projects.

The Gadarwara project will be a trend-setter in the state of Madhya Pradesh with 800 MW unit capacity, super-critical units and latest technology. This plant is being implemented as a regional power project for the benefit of states in the western region.  Around 50% of the power generated from the project will be supplied to Madhya Pradesh alone. The remaining power will be supplied to the states in the western region.

The project is targeted to be commissioned in the 13th Plan with a total investment of around Rs 11,000 crore.

The coal requirement of the project will be met from the Talaipalli block from the Mand–Raigarh coalfields and water is to be sourced from River Narmada, the statement further added.