Proposal to set up thermal power project near Masula

An Australia-based leading independent coal exploration and mining company, Queensland Coal Exploration Proprietary Limited (QCEPL), is engaged in discussions with the State government to set up 5,000 MW coal-based thermal power project in Krishna district.

Speaking to The Hindu , high placed sources confirmed that a team representing the Australian company will soon discuss their proposal to set up the power project near Machilipatnam with the top bureaucrats of the State government. “The team will meet Secretary (Energy, Infrastructure and Investment) Ajay Jain and Secretary (Industry and Commerce) S.S. Rawat in Hyderabad,” added sources.

At production capacity of 5,000 MW, this could be the biggest thermal power project proposal which would be submitted to the State government based on the results of talks with the bureaucrats. The company, in principal, has identified nearly 2,000 acres of suitable land for the project between Machilipatnam and Kruthivennu in Krishna district. The QCEPL’s expert team has completed site inspection in January. The QCEPL, which engaged in coal exploration since 1989, is keen to import coal from Australia for the proposed thermal power project.

The coal and power giant is also reportedly striving to tap the demand for coal in Andhra Pradesh where several thermal power plants, including three in Srikakulam district, are proposed. Nagarjuna Constructions and East Coast Energy Private Limited Companies, which proposed to set up thermal power plants in Srikakulam district, have been exploring options to import coal, reportedly from Australia, Indonesia and South Africa.

On the other hand, the huge demand for coal in coming years would turn Andhra Pradesh an ideal market destination for the QCEPL to register growth in coal exports.

Speaking to newsmen at a press conference recently, BC Welfare Minister Kollu Ravindra said that he would encourage the project.

Highly placed sources say a team representing the QCEPL will soon discuss their proposal with the top bureaucrats of the State government