In a significant move to strengthen India’s energy infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday laid the foundation stone of the second phase of the Nabinagar Super Thermal Power Project in Bihar and dedicated the first unit of the Ghatampur Thermal Power Project in Uttar Pradesh to the nation.
The Nabinagar project, located in Bihar’s Aurangabad district, will add 2,400 MW (3×800 MW) of power to the national grid. Being developed by NTPC, India’s largest energy utility, the expansion project is valued at over ₹29,930 crore. It is expected to enhance energy availability across Bihar and the eastern region, contributing to affordable electricity and greater grid stability.
Simultaneously, in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur Nagar district, the Prime Minister inaugurated the 660 MW first unit of the Ghatampur Thermal Power Project. The facility is being developed by Neyveli Uttar Pradesh Power Limited (NUPPL), a joint venture between NLC India Limited (51%) and Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (49%). The full project will include three supercritical units of 660 MW each, totaling 1,980 MW.
With a total outlay of approximately ₹21,780 crore, the Ghatampur plant aims to meet the rising power demands of Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring states like Assam. A power purchase agreement has already been signed, allocating 75% of the generated power to Uttar Pradesh and 25% to Assam, pending equity transfer completion.
A key highlight of the Ghatampur project is its commitment to environmental sustainability. The plant is equipped with state-of-the-art emission control systems, including Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD), to reduce nitrogen and sulphur oxide emissions. It also features a zero liquid discharge (ZLD) system to ensure complete treatment and reuse of wastewater. Further, 288 km of canal lining is being undertaken to conserve nearly 195 MLD of water.
Engineered for long-term performance, the facility incorporates high-efficiency supercritical boilers with 88.81% efficiency, a coal stockyard with a month-long backup supply, and a 4.6 crore litre capacity raw water reservoir. A 765 kV GIS substation has also been set up to enable efficient power transmission. The plant is fueled by a captive coal mine with a 9 MTPA capacity, ensuring uninterrupted supply.
According to the Ministry of Coal, the project is expected to create substantial direct and indirect employment opportunities, support regional economic development, and bolster the vision of energy self-sufficiency under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.