1,320-mw supercritical thermal power plant in Surguja

CMDC ICPL Coal Ltd (CICL), a 51:49 joint venture company between Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation and Iffco Chhattisgarh Power Ltd, is in the process of selecting a mine developer-cum-operator through international competitive bidding process to mine coal from Tara coal block in Surguja district of the state.
Notably, Iffco Chhattisgarh Power Ltd itself is a joint venture between state-run Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Ltd (74 per cent) and Chhattisgarh State Electricity Board (26 per cent).
The coal block, which has been allotted to CMDC, will supply coal to an upcoming power plant. ICPL is setting up a 1,320-mw (2x660 mw) supercritical thermal power plant near the Tara coal block. Speaking to Projectmonitor by phone from Chhattisgarh, R.C. Lalwani, Deputy General Manager, ICPL, said that the power project entailed an investment of Rs 6,660 crore. The project was scheduled for commissioning in 2009-2010 and would achieve full capacity in phases by 2011-2012, he explained.
Lalwani confirmed that ICPL had floated a global tender for selection of a mine developer-cum-operator to design, engineer, develop, operate, maintain the mine and supply coal to ICPL's power project besides complying with the applicable laws and regulations relating to the mining activity. It is learnt that coal from Tara block would be transported to the plant through a conveyor. The power plant will employ modern technology to ensure least water consumption and zero pollution.
The official also mentioned that since the project was included in the ongoing 11th Plan period, it was being closely monitored by the Inter Institutional Group (IIG) formed in 2004 by the ministry of power to facilitate the financial closure of private sector projects. Hence, the project is on fast track with request for prequalification floated for the placement of EPC contracts for site development package, main plant (SG&TG) packages, civil works and other tasks.
ICPL has signed the power purchase agreement with CSEB for 90 per cent off-take of power, Lalwani said. Chhattisgarh is currently a power surplus state.