NHPC’s efforts to foray into thermal power generation is taking much longer time than expected. For example, NHPC is yet to get approval of the Public Investment Board (PIB) for equity participation to an extent of 74% in IFFCO Chhattisgarh Power Limited (ICPL) which is setting up 2×660 MW super critical Salka thermal power project in Surajpur District, Chhattisgarh.
NHPC is also seeking PIB’s nod for the investment approval for construction of Salka Thermal Power Project at an estimated cost of Rs. 9,239.70 crore. NHPC hopes to commission first and second units by 44 months and 48 months from date of award of BTG and the plant will be put in to commercial operation by 54 months from CCEA approval. The award of BTG package will be completed within six months after getting investment approval/clearance from PIB/CCEA.
One of the positives of the project is that Environment clearance and Forest Clearance (Stage-I) to the project have already been accorded on March 16, 2012 and February 26, 2013 respectively.
Going by the current pace of progress, NHPC is hopeful of commissioning the project by the end of 2018-19.
