Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to virtually inaugurate the first phase of the Lara Super Thermal Power Station in Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, marking a significant step towards India’s future energy security. The 2×800 MW Stage-I of the project, built at a cost of Rs. 15,800 crores, will provide much-needed power to several states while minimizing environmental impact.
This isn’t the only development on the horizon. Prime Minister Modi will also lay the foundation stone for the project’s Stage-II expansion, another 2×800 MW phase. This ambitious expansion will utilize existing land from Stage-I, showcasing NTPC’s commitment to responsible development. The Stage-II project will require an investment of Rs. 15,530 crores.
Ensuring cost-effectiveness and reliability, the power station will source its coal from NTPC’s Talaipalli block through a Merry-Go-Round (MGR) system. This system optimizes coal transportation, reducing costs and ensuring uninterrupted power availability.
Furthermore, the Lara Super Thermal Power Station will utilize advanced technology to minimize its environmental footprint. Stage-I will employ Super Critical technology, while Stage-II will boast even more efficient Ultra Super Critical technology, both leading to lower carbon dioxide emissions.
The project promises to benefit not only Chhattisgarh, which will receive 50% of the generated power, but also states like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa, Daman & Diu, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. This wider reach demonstrates the project’s potential to significantly improve the power scenario across various regions.
Beyond its immediate impact, the Lara Super Thermal Power Station will create significant employment opportunities in the region, both direct and indirect. Additionally, NTPC will actively engage in various community development initiatives in nearby areas, focusing on education, healthcare, sanitation, and women’s empowerment. This holistic approach ensures the project benefits not just the power sector, but also the lives of those living in the surrounding communities.
With its focus on increased power generation, cost-effectiveness, environmental sustainability, and community development, the Lara Super Thermal Power Station stands poised to contribute to a brighter and more sustainable future for India.