Telangana and Odisha set to collaborate for Thermal power generation

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Telangana’s Deputy Chief Minister, Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, announced that coal production from the Naini coal block in Odisha’s Angul district will commence in March 2025. This significant development was disclosed during a meeting with Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Manjhi on the sidelines of the third national Mining Ministers' conference being held in Konark, Odisha.

The Naini coal block, designated as a captive mine, was originally intended to supply coal to Telangana's 800 MW Singareni Thermal Power Plant in Jaipur near Mancherial. However, the logistical challenges of transporting coal over 1,000 km have led to the proposal of a 1600 MW pit-head thermal power plant near the Naini coal mine. The power plant, envisioned by Telangana’s Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), aims to minimize production costs and maximize efficiency.

Singareni intends to set up a 1600 MW thermal power project as a pit head over plant near Naini coal mine in Odisha, which will reduce the cost of production and provide profitable use of the coal produced, it was stated by Deputy CM in the letter submitted to the Odisha CM.

As per the Electric Power Survey (EPS) 20th report, there is a substantial demand for thermal power for the next three decades. Setting up power plants near coal mines reduces transportation costs, ensures steady fuel supply, and mitigates environmental impact. A team of officials from SCCL and Odisha’s Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) has identified two prospective sites—Jarapada/Tukuda and Handappa/Baninali—for the project.

The proposed thermal power plant will not only meet energy demands but also create employment opportunities and contribute to infrastructure development in Odisha and Telangana. Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu expressed his gratitude to the Odisha Chief Minister for his support and urged the Odisha government to allocate suitable land for this joint initiative.

This landmark collaboration between Telangana and Odisha underscores their commitment to sustainable energy solutions and regional development.