PM Modi Lays Foundation Stone for NLC India Talabira Thermal Power Project

Sambalpur, Odisha: In a historic moment marking a significant stride towards India's energy security and socio-economic development, Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the Phase-1 NLC India Talabira Thermal Power Project 3x800 MW (2,400 MW) in Sambalpur, Odisha.

The ceremony, held on February 3, 2024, witnessed the esteemed presence of various dignitaries including Shri Raghubar Das, Governor of Odisha; Shri Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Odisha; and several Union Ministers including Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Shri Bishweswar Tudu, and others.

In his speech, after laying the foundation stone, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said, "The government will always ensure to fulfil its promises. This Government doesn't just lay the foundation stone of any project; it makes sure to inaugurate it. This thermal power project will ensure Odisha gets round-the-clock electricity supply and also open up employment opportunities for the youth.”

The NLC India Talabira Thermal Power Project, an initiative by NLC India Ltd., a Navratna Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Coal, is set to revolutionise the energy landscape of the nation. With an estimated investment exceeding Rs 27,000 Crore, this coal-based Ultra Super Critical Pit Head Thermal Power Project signifies a monumental step towards fostering energy security and driving the nation's growth trajectory.

The project, which encompasses a 2,400 MW capacity in its initial phase and plans for an additional 800 MW in the second phase with an investment of over Rs 8,000 Crore, is poised to become the largest Greenfield Pithead Thermal Power Station in the country. As in the recent past, leveraging on the advantages of a pit-head location, the project will employ an eco-friendly conveyor system for coal transportation from adjacent Talabira II and III operational mines of NLC India Ltd., thus ensuring cost-effectiveness and sustainability.

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The NLC Talabira Thermal Power Project is a result of our Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of building pit-head thermal power plants in mission mode. The Talabira Thermal Power Plant with its latest environment management system shall ensure sustainable power production. Additionally, we will provide cheap power tariff to the state of Odisha and other beneficiary states through this thermal station.

A hallmark of environmental stewardship, the NLC India Talabira Thermal Power Project integrates cutting-edge technologies including Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) for SOx control, Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) for NOx control, biomass co-firing, solid waste management, and Effluent Treatment Systems. This reflects the project's commitment to minimising its ecological footprint while delivering efficient power generation.

Commenting on the project, Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi emphasised on the future role of the Talabira ultra-supercritical pit-head thermal power station in supplying cheap and affordable power to the people of the country.

The NLC India Talabira Thermal Power Project is not merely an infrastructure endeavour; it symbolises a catalyst for socio-economic transformation, heralding unprecedented employment opportunities and fostering inclusive development in the region. With the potential to supply 1,787 Crore units of electricity to Odisha and neighbouring states, the project is poised to uplift communities and propel progress.

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The start of construction activities by laying the foundation stone has been made possible with the vision of Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi and encouragement and support by Hon’ble Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi.

As India begins its journey towards a sustainable and self-reliant future, initiatives like the NLC India Talabira Thermal Power Project epitomise the nation's unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth.

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