Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Chhattisgarh to address the ‘Viksit Bharat, Viksit Chhattisgarh’ initiative, inaugurated and laid foundation stones for significant energy ventures on Saturday. These projects, belonging to NTPC Limited, Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), and South-Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), target vital sectors such as coal, power, and solar energy.
In the Raigarh district of Chhattisgarh, the Prime Minister dedicated NTPC’s Lara Super Thermal Power Project, Stage-I (2×800 MW), to the nation, laying the foundation stone for Stage-II (2×800 MW). Stage I required an investment of approximately Rs 15,800 crore, while Stage II, built on existing premises, will entail an investment of Rs 15,530 crore. Equipped with advanced technologies, these projects aim to reduce coal consumption and carbon dioxide emissions while enhancing power supply to Chhattisgarh and states like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and others.
Additionally, PM Modi inaugurated three key First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects of SECL, collectively costing over Rs 600 crore. These projects facilitate the efficient mechanized evacuation of coal, minimizing environmental impact and improving living conditions around coal mines.
In a significant move towards renewable energy production, the Prime Minister inaugurated SECI’s Solar PV Project at Rajnandgaon, which is worth around Rs 900 crore. It boasts India’s most extensive Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and is set to generate substantial energy while mitigating millions of tons of CO2 emissions over its lifespan. As the power off-taker, Chhattisgarh aims to meet its energy demands sustainably and fulfill its renewable purchase obligations through this initiative.
Also Read | IREDA partners with Indian Overseas Bank for funding Renewable Energy projects
