Mahagenco scouts for JV partner to set up 3,200 MW TPP

In a bid to augment its power generation capacity, state-run Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Limited (Mahagenco) has proposed to set up a super-critical technology-based 3,200 MW coal-fired thermal power project (TPP), at Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation's Veldur Industrial Area, near the Dhopave village, in the Ratnagiri district of the state, via the joint venture route. Mahagenco, has, thus, sought ex-pression-of-interest (EoI) from prospective firms to float the proposed joint venture company (JVC) for the execution of the project. 

 The coal requirement for the proposed power plant is expected to be around 16.8 million tonnes per annum, which would be sourced from the Macchakata-Mahanadi coal block in Orissa, allotted to Mahaguj Collieries Limited (MGCL), a joint venture of Mahagenco and Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Limited (GSECL). Considering the proximity of the proposed power station to the coastline, Mahagenco has proposed to construct a jetty at a site adjacent to the power project, to transport coal via sea. The techno-economic feasibility study for the development of the port is complete and the Maharashtra Maritime Board has also accorded its approval for the construction of the jetty at the Anjanwel Bay.  

 The water requirement for the project has been estimated to be 80 million cubic meters. Mahagenco has already acquired in-principle approval from the state water resource department for drawing 40 million cubic meters (mcm) of water from the Koyna tailrace. The project proponent is also pursuing the issue of linkage for the remaining 40 mcm with the state authority. However, the environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment &Forest (MoEF) is still awaited. 

 The Maharashtra government-owned generation utility has also entered into a power-purchase-agreement (PPA) with the state discom, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited, for the sale of power from the project for a period of 25 years from the date of commercial operations of the project.