In a gigantic step ahead in the energy sector in Bihar, a 2,400 MW thermal-based power plant will be constructed in Pirpainti, which is in Bhagalpur district, by the Adani Power Company. The project is being touted as a major move towards improving the energy infrastructure of the state and bringing in a massive, privately invested project to one of the most power-starved parts of India.
It is stated that the Bihar government has officially cleared the construction of the power plant, which is likely to be the biggest ever energy investment in the state by the private sector. The proposed project is scheduled to hold three units of 800MW power production each, and these three units will have a total of 2,400MW of power production. The development of the plant will take place on a land measuring more than 1,200 acres, and arrangements are already made to acquire the land, supply water, and coal linkage.
It is a grand project, which is touted to change the power situation in Bihar that has, for long, been marred by the lack of supply and reliance on supply of external sources of electricity. The plant, once established, will greatly boost internal power generation in the state and will minimize the consumption of the national grid. It will also offer a stable supply of power to address the rising demands of the people of Bihar, with a population of more than 13 crore.
It will be built in a competitive bidding program based on a tariff, whereby the Bihar State Power Generation Company Limited (BSPGCL) will be the nodal agency to direct the execution of the programme. The government has scheduled the implementation to be in stages, with bidding tenders already initiated. Other big players in the energy sector have also expressed interest in the project, although it is most likely that the Adani Group will lead in the implementation due to its immense presence in implementing big infrastructure and energy projects in the country.
In addition to power provision, the project is likely to provide hundreds of thousands of both direct and indirect jobs to the residents, both during the construction and operation of the project. Moreover, the influx of industrialization and associated infrastructure will help strengthen the economy of the region and the overall Bhagalpur and adjoining areas.
Where the plant would be situated is also well thought out. The locality adjoining the Pirpainti site, in terms of location, lies close to the banks of the river Ganga, and therefore, a reliable source of water exists. The fact that it is close to coal blocks in eastern India will guarantee a supply of raw materials on a regular basis. Rail as well as road connectivity on a logistical level has also been ensured by the government to allow easy transportation of coal and other materials.
The soon-to-be-commissioned plant will also have power distribution companies in Bihar exercise the first privilege of purchase, and the state will benefit directly from the project. Any surplus output of electricity will be fed into the open market, yielding extra income and reinforcing the presence of Bihar in the national power grid.
With Bihar moving ahead in industrialization and advancements, this 2,400 MW thermal power plant is bound to be a milestone of development. This project will lead to a new dawn of energy security, economic opportunity and growth of infrastructure in Bihar with the participation of Adani Group and significant support of the state government.
