Coal India Limited (CIL) has recently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Haryana Power Purchase Centre (HPPC) to provide 800 MW of electricity from Mahanadi Basin Power Ltd (MBPL), a subsidiary of Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL). This collaboration aims to support Haryana in meeting its growing energy demands under the framework of Section-62 of the Electricity Act, 2003.
The agreement follows the approval by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs for CIL's proposal to establish a 4000 MW Ultra-Supercritical Thermal Power Plant in Odisha's Sundargarh district. The first phase of this project will have a capacity of 2×800 MW, with an investment of Rs 15,947 crore.
The use of Ultra Super-Critical technology in these power plants reflects CIL's commitment to reducing environmental impact, with advantages such as lower coal transit losses, a decreased carbon footprint, and improved plant load factors due to proximity to coal sources.
The MoU, signed in the presence of Haryana's Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, by Debasish Nanda, Director (Business Development) at CIL, and Randeep Singh, Chief Engineer at HPCC, establishes a strategic partnership aimed at ensuring a reliable electricity supply for Haryana.
This move aligns with CIL's broader strategy to diversify its operations, including the development of coal-based pithead power plants, as it seeks to maintain its leadership in the energy sector. Prior to this collaboration, CIL had also secured a power purchase agreement with Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) for 1200 MW, indicating its active pursuit of agreements with various state DISCOMs to ensure a consistent electricity supply from its upcoming power projects.