Odisha to add 10 GW thermal power capacity in next 6 years

The state currently has 20 GW of operational capacity.

Odisha is set to expand its coal-based thermal power capacity by an additional 10 GW over the next five to six years, as part of efforts to meet growing energy demands.

The state currently has 20 GW of operational capacity, and the upcoming projects will further bolster its power infrastructure, officials said during a high-level review meeting chaired by Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal, on Sunday.

The union minister encouraged the development of more pit-head thermal power plants in Odisha, including potential joint ventures with power generation companies (GENCOs) from other states.

The meeting also addressed key issues such as fly ash utilisation, transmission infrastructure, and power allocation. Shri Manohar Lal assured that a joint meeting with the Ministries of Coal, Environment, and Railways would be convened to resolve transportation challenges, particularly ensuring adequate rail rakes for long-distance movement of fly ash.

On the transmission front, Odisha officials highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen power supply to key urban centers like Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. The Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL) briefed the Minister on measures taken to resolve Right of Way (RoW) issues.

The minister also said that the proposal for a Green Energy Corridor within Odisha’s intrastate transmission network would be taken up by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) after 31 March.

Regarding the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), Shri Manohar Lal assured that Odisha’s inclusion in the next phase of the program would be considered. He also confirmed that Odisha would receive its due power allocation from Phase-II of NLC India Ltd’s Talabira Thermal Power Project, in line with Ministry of Power guidelines.