NLC India to Finalize Contractor for Development of Talabira thermal Project

NLC India is set to finalize the contractor for the development of Rs 19,422 crore Talabira thermal power project (3x800 MW) shortly when the price bids will be opened.

Two power equipment manufacturers, BHEL and L&T-MHI, are in the race for the contract. The turnkey contractor for the signature project would be finalized in January. Further, NLC India has decided to add another 800 MW unit to the project, which will be a 3,200 MW giant when completed.

The project was first designed to be put up at Sirkazhi in Tamil Nadu but was later shifted to Talabira in Odisha to save the cost of transporting coal from Talabira mines to down south. These are likely to be ultra-super critical thermal plants.

The 2,400 MW is to be shared by Tamil Nadu 1,500 MW, Puducherry 100 MW, Kerala 400 MW and Odisha 400 MW. Meanwhile, NLC has increased coal production from its Talabira mines. In 2023-24, the company expects to produce 14.4 million tonne of coal from the mines.