OCTOBER 20248TOP STORIESTATA POWER OUTLINES PLANS FOR RAJASTHAN'S ENERGY INFRASTRUCTUREBENGAL CABINET APPROVES 660 MW SUPERCRITICAL POWER PLANT IN SAGARDIGHITata Power has announced plans to invest Rs 1.2 lakh crore in Rajasthan's power sector over the next decade, with a focus on renewable energy and modernizing the state's energy infrastructure. The company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rajasthan government during the Rising Rajasthan Investor Meet in New Delhi. This investment will span the entire power value chain, including generation, transmission, and distribution, with a strong emphasis on renewable energy projects such as solar, wind, hybrid systems, and battery energy storage systems (BESS). The initiative aligns with the state's goals of achieving a 24/7 clean, affordable, and reliable power supply and transforming Rajasthan into a power surplus state.As part of this ambitious plan, Tata Power will develop 10,000 MW of renewable energy capacity, including 6,000 MW of solar power and 4,000 MW of hybrid energy, across Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer, and Jodhpur. Additionally, the company will establish a 2,000 MW solar module manufacturing facility in Jodhpur with an investment of Rs 2,000 crore. To further modernize Rajasthan's energy infrastructure, Tata Power will invest Rs 20,000 crore in the state's transmission and distribution networks, aimed at reducing energy losses, improving power quality, and ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply. An additional Rs 10,000 crore will be directed toward upgrading transmission systems across the state.In addition to renewable energy and infrastructure investments, Tata Power is exploring the possibility of developing nuclear power plants in Rajasthan and has proposed a Rs 1,000 crore investment to install 1 lakh EV charging points throughout the state. The company also plans to support the PM Surya Ghar Yojana by providing rooftop solar power for 10 lakh households, contributing to the nation's clean energy goals. The approval of the West Bengal Cabinet is granted to establish a 660-megawatt supercritical power plant in Sagardighi, Murshidabad district, as announced by Power Minister Arup Biswas. The Cabinet has also agreed to plans for constructing an additional five power plants."We will be setting up a new 660-mega-watt supercritical power plant in Sagardighi. This will be the first such power plant in eastern India. Even the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) or the DVC do not have it," the power minister said after the Cabinet meeting.He stated that completion of the supercritical power plant work stands at 95 per cent. "It will be made of the latest machinery and 95 per cent of its work is complete," Biswas said at the secretariat.He said that the modern power plant, where less coal would be required to produce more electricity, would be ready by next March. The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, also gave its nod to set up a new power plant of 1600 MW and a global tender will be floated in this regard. We are not taking a single penny from anyone," he said.It would be the first time that a power plant has been planned based on a PPP model. "We will set up four more power plants and the paperworks for them is being done," he said.When inquired about the location of the 1600 MW power plant, the minister mentioned that the decision would be left to the company in charge and the state government will adjust their actions accordingly. The government of West Bengal currently operates power stations in Sagardighi, Bakerswar, Kolghat Bandel, and Durgapur. TOP STORIESTOP STORIESTOP STORIESTOP STORIESTOP STORIESTOP STORIES
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