Lucknow, July 11: The Uttar Pradesh government approved two ‘Obra D’ thermal power plants of 800 MW each to be developed in Sonbhadra’s Obra at a cost of Rs 18,000 crore, with the goal of delivering cheaper electricity to the people of the state.
The ‘Obra D’ thermal power plants were authorised during a Cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanah, according to an official statement released here.
The government would carry out the projects in a 50:50 cooperation with the federal government-owned power producer NTPC. While 30% equity would be provided for project implementation, the other 70% will be handled through financial institutions, according to the statement.
The ‘Obra D’ thermal power plants will be the state’s first ultra-supercritical units. The plant will have cutting-edge technology and great efficiency, with minimal coal usage, lowering power generating costs and resulting in lower energy prices in UP, according to the company. The first unit will be ready in around 50 months, according to the company.
According to the statement, Urban Development and Energy Minister A K Sharma stated, “During the Global Investors Summit, we signed an agreement with NTPC to set up a thermal plant at Obra. The proposal was authorised by the Council of Ministers today. This factory will be erected on about 500 acres of land, and if additional land is required, arrangements will be made.”
The energy minister further stated that UP’s present thermal power generating capacity is 7,000 MW, and that two facilities will provide about 25% of existing capacity.
“We hope that this plant will become an energy hub not only for the state, but for the entire country. Coal consumption will be lower at new plants due to the use of advanced technologies, and coal transportation costs will be significantly reduced due to the close proximity of NCL coal mines,” he added. “Right now, we pay Rs 5.50 per unit for electricity, but with this plant, we will be able to pay Rs.4.79 per unit. That is, we will be able to give consumers with affordable power at Re 1 per unit,” he continued.
