9NOVEMBER 2024ADB SANCTIONS LOAN FOR WEST BENGAL TO ENSURE ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTIONJINDAL'S UPCOMING CEMENT UNIT TO LEVERAGE BLAST FURNACE SLAGThe Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 241.3-million loan aimed at improving electricity distribution in West Bengal, enhancing the quality of life for residents by ensuring a reliable and sustainable power supply. This program aligns with the Indian government's Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme, which focuses on strengthening the operational efficiency of power distribution companies, as highlighted by ADB Principal Energy Specialist Roka Sanda.Reliable electricity distribution is crucial for West Bengal's growth and development. The West Bengal Distribution System Strengthening Program will benefit 8.96 million consumers across seven districts in the state. Key initiatives include replacing low-tension overhead lines with aerial bundled cables, establishing separate electricity feeders for agricultural and non-agricultural users, and implementing an integrated information and operation management system to enhance power supply quality, performance monitoring, and corporate financial management.The program aims to improve the operational efficiency of the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited by building capacity in asset and financial management, promoting the adoption of renewable energy, rationalizing tariffs, and fostering gender equity and social inclusion. ADB's commitment to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific includes ongoing efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members, with 49 from the region. Jindal Group announced the commissioning of a cement grinding unit with a capacity of 1.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) in Odisha as part of its Rs 2,200 crore expansion plan. In a statement, the group revealed that its arm, Jindal Panther Cement (JPC), has launched this grinding unit, emphasizing its commitment to low-carbon cement production. The new facility will utilize approximately 1 MTPA of blast furnace slag, which is a by-product generated from steel manufacturing through the blast furnace route.JPC has ambitious plans to scale up production capacity at both Angul and Raigarh to 7 MTPA, increasing from the current capacity of 1 MTPA, with an investment of Rs 2,160 crore. The grinding unit has been designed with low-carbon technologies and will use slag sourced from Jindal Steel and Power Ltd's (JSPL) nearby steel plant in Angul.Rohit Vohra, CEO of JPC, commented, "The commissioning of our Angul grinding unit marks a significant step in our journey towards a sustainable future. We aim to cater to the growing demand in central and eastern India with our green cement commitments." This development positions Jindal Group to enhance its footprint in the cement industry while prioritizing sustainable practices.
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