The National Thermal Power Corporation’s (NTPC) Kudgi plant, which is the lone power generation plant in the State, started commercial production from its first unit without any fanfare on July 31.
While the ultimate production capacity is 4,000 MW, the plant has signed a Memorandum of Understanding for 2,400 MW in the first phase, in which energy would be generated from three plants of 800 MW each.
The production from the first unit of 800 MW has already started, which is a milestone for NTPC as the foundation stone for the project was laid on June 2, 2012.
“It is a big step for the NTPC Kudgi plant as we have commenced commercial operation of the 800 MW unit this year,” said a senior official.
He said the first unit was scheduled to begin operations in March 2016 itself. However, owing to protests by farmers, the production delayed and this has made a significant impact on the financial aspect of the project, he said.
The official said the remaining two units are expected to start operations within a couple of months.
He regretted that owing to the delay in completion of railway track doubling between Hotagi near Solapur in Maharashtra and Kudgi, the plant was unable to get full supply of 13 million tonnes per annum of coal, which is required for the 2,400 MW plant.
“We have paid ₹965 crore to Konkan and South Western Railway for laying 134 km of railway line, which should have been completed by now, but for various reasons the work is getting delayed,” he said.
The plant was supposed to get coal from the mines in Chhattisgarh as per the agreement, but owing to the delay in laying the railway line, the plant was getting limited quantum of coal from Ramagundam in Telangana.
Solar power
Meanwhile, the NTPC is likely to go for a solar power plant for the remaining 1,600 MW, instead of a coal-based plant. A senior official told The Hindu that since the plant has acquired 3,500 acres, the 1,600 MW plant could be set up on the available land.
