Project work on SJVN’s Buxar thermal power plant (Unit-2) in Bihar was recently inaugurated at the hands of the company’s CMD, Nand Lal Sharma, in a virtual function. The 1,320-mw coal-fired power plant is equipped with two units of 660-mw each.
The Buxar power plant, originally to be implemented by the Bihar state government, was handed over to SJVN Ltd, and is currently the only thermal power project in the company’s portfolio that is dominated by hydropower, solar and wind power projects. The Buxar project is being developed by SJVN Thermal Pvt Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SJVN Ltd.
The foundation stone for the Buxar power plant was laid on March 9, 2019, at the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A project critical in meeting Bihar’s power requirements is being continuously monitored by the Union power ministry. It is learnt that at least 85 per cent of the electricity generated by the Buxar plant will be allocated to home state Bihar.
Current Status
Currently, more than 50 per cent of the work related to Unit-1 of 660 mw is complete and this unit is scheduled to commission by June 2023. The second unit is targeted to turn operational by January 2024, implying full commissioning of the project.
Also read: SJVN Plans Rs.5,000 Crore Capital Expenditure In FY22
USC technology
The Buxar thermal power project will be equipped with ultra supercritical (USC) technology, which is expected to generate more electricity per unit of coal consumed. An industry source explained that USC technology is superior to not just subcritical but also conventional supercritical technology.
The 1,320-mw Buxar thermal power plant entails an investment of around Rs.11,000 crore and is expected to generate 9,828 million kwh of electricity per year.
SJVN Portfolio
SJVN’s present installed capacity is 2016.51 mw and has a development portfolio of more than 11,000 MW. The Central PSU, formerly known as Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd, aims to have installed capacity of 5,000 mw by 2023, 12,000 mw by 2030 and 25,000 mw by 2040. SJVN is present across various power generation forms like hydropower, wind, solar and thermal. It is also engaged in power transmission
Featured photograph shows file picture (dated around September 2020) showing virtual inauguration of the boiler foundation works of the Buxar thermal power project. Seen second from left is Nand Lal Sharma, CMD, SJVN Ltd.
