West Bengal is set to witness a significant leap in its power generation capacity with the commissioning of its largest thermal power unit next month. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that the new supercritical thermal power unit at the Sagardighi plant in Murshidabad will begin operations from December 10, 2023.
A Major Milestone for Bengal's Power Sector
Making the announcement at a rally in Berhampore, Murshidabad, on Thursday, the Chief Minister highlighted the project's scale and importance. She revealed that the 660 MW supercritical unit represents not only Bengal's largest such facility but also the first of its kind in the entire north-eastern region of India. "I announced it in 2017. Now it's complete. From Dec 10, it will supply power," Banerjee stated.
The project, constructed at a substantial investment of over Rs 4,567 crore, is expected to have a transformative impact. According to the CM, the new unit will provide reliable power supply to approximately 16,70,000 families across the state. Furthermore, it is projected to generate substantial employment, with an estimated 26,000 people securing jobs directly or indirectly through the project.
Project Execution and State's Power Profile
The West Bengal Power Development Corporation Limited (WBPDCL) executed the ambitious project after securing all necessary clearances. This included approvals from the state government and the crucial environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forest. The physical construction of the unit commenced on July 1, 2020.
This addition is critical for West Bengal's energy landscape. Currently, the state's own power generation stands at around 6,000 MW. Out of this total, WBPDCL units contribute a dominant 4,250 MW. Another 750 MW is supplied by two units of the DPL (Dishergarh Power Supply Company Limited), while close to 1,000 MW flows into the state grid from various hydro and solar plants operated by the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL). The new 660 MW unit will significantly bolster this existing capacity.
Strategic Importance and Future Outlook
The commissioning of the Sagardighi supercritical unit marks a strategic enhancement in West Bengal's infrastructure and energy security. Supercritical technology operates at higher temperatures and pressures, leading to improved efficiency and lower emissions compared to traditional subcritical plants. This aligns with modern environmental standards while meeting the growing power demand.
The successful completion of this major project, initiated in 2017, underscores the state's focus on strengthening its power generation capabilities. With operations starting in December, the unit is poised to play a pivotal role in ensuring more stable and widespread electricity supply, supporting both domestic consumers and industrial growth in West Bengal and the broader north-eastern region.
