NTPC's expansion of the Nabinagar Super Thermal Power Project in Aurangabad is set to significantly boost generation capacity and position the state as a key energy hub in eastern India. With an investment of nearly Rs 30,000 crore, NTPC is adding 2,400 MW capacity under Phase-II of the project. Once completed, Nabinagar is expected to become eastern India's largest thermal power station and the country's second-largest thermal power project.
Phased Commissioning and Power Allocation
The first 800 MW unit of the expansion is scheduled to begin generation by March 2029, while the remaining two units will be commissioned at six-month intervals. Bihar is likely to receive around 1,500 MW from the new units, substantially improving power availability for industries, businesses, and households. At present, the project generates 1,980 MW, of which nearly 1,600 MW is supplied to Bihar, accounting for more than a quarter of the state's electricity requirement. Officials said the additional capacity would be crucial in meeting rising energy demand and attracting fresh industrial investment.
Advanced Technology for Efficiency and Sustainability
NTPC project head L K Behera said the expansion is being executed using ultra-supercritical technology and air-cooled condenser systems to improve efficiency and significantly reduce water consumption. The project aims to set new benchmarks in cleaner and more sustainable thermal power generation.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
Apart from strengthening power supply, the expansion is expected to boost the local economy. Between 4,000 and 5,000 jobs are likely to be generated during construction and operation phases, with priority expected to be given to local residents. The project is already among Bihar's top revenue contributors. In 2024–25, the plant recorded a net profit of around Rs 800 crore and achieved a record generation of 12,932 million units of electricity, officials said. NTPC is also one of the state's leading GST contributors.
Strategic Importance for Bihar's Industrial Growth
Energy experts believe that reliable power supply from Nabinagar could accelerate investments in sectors such as manufacturing, food processing, cement, and steel. For a state long viewed as energy-deficit, the NTPC expansion is increasingly being seen as a key driver of industrial growth and economic transformation.
