Manohar Lal Guarantees Support from Centre to Fortify Odisha's Power Sector
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Synopsis
Union Minister of Power Manohar Lal met with Odisha's senior officials to discuss improvements in the state's power sector, covering fly ash utilization, capacity addition, and more.
Key Takeaways
- Fly Ash Utilization discussed with ministries.
- Odisha has 20 GW operational coal power.
- 10 GW capacity expected in 5-6 years.
- Focus on Green Energy Corridors.
- Support for Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme.
Bhubaneswar, March 23 (NationPress) The Union Minister of Power, Manohar Lal, conducted an extensive review meeting on Sunday with senior officials from the Odisha government to discuss advancements in the state’s power sector.
The dialogue addressed crucial topics such as fly ash utilization, capacity expansion, transmission infrastructure, and power distribution.
Manohar Lal committed to organizing a joint meeting with the ministries of Coal, Environment, and Railways to tackle the issue of fly ash disposal comprehensively. This initiative will also include ensuring the availability of sufficient rail rakes for the long-distance transport of fly ash.
The state government highlighted the increasing power needs, noting that Odisha currently possesses 20 GW of operational coal-based thermal power capacity, with another 10 GW anticipated to be operational within the next five to six years. The Union Minister advocated for the establishment of additional pit-head thermal power plants in Odisha, particularly through partnerships with GENCOs from other states.
Regarding transmission, Odisha shared its intra-state planning strategies and recent advancements in enhancing supply to urban areas like Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. The Minister was informed about the measures taken by the Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL) to address Right of Way (RoW) challenges. He also mentioned that the initiative for a Green Energy Corridor within Odisha's intra-state transmission network would be reviewed by MNRE after March 31, 2025, once the compilation process is finished.
Concerning Odisha's participation in the next phase of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), the Union Minister assured that this matter would be addressed appropriately. On power allocation, he confirmed that Odisha would receive sufficient power from Phase II of NLCIL’s Talabira Thermal Power Project, in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Power.
He reassured the state that the Centre is actively engaged in enhancing Odisha’s power infrastructure and promoting sustainable growth in the energy sector.
