NTPC's Lara Plant in Chhattisgarh to Be Powered by Ultra-Supercritical Technology

NTPC's upcoming 1,600 megawatt (MW) Lara thermal power plant in Chhattisgarh's Raigarh district is set to embrace cutting-edge ultra-supercritical technology, marking a significant leap in power generation efficiency.

Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for stage-II (2×800 MW) of the project, following the dedication of stage-I (2×800 Mw) of NTPC's Lara super thermal power station. Stage-I, constructed with an investment of approximately Rs. 15,800 crore, sets the stage for the subsequent expansion, with stage-II slated to be erected on the available land of stage-I, requiring no additional land acquisition. The stage-II expansion, with an investment of Rs. 15,530 crore, signifies NTPC's commitment to enhancing power generation capacity using advanced technology.

The forthcoming unit will be equipped with ultra-super critical technology, boasting an efficiency of 41.5 per cent, surpassing the current supercritical technology's efficiency of 40.5 per cent. This technological advancement not only enhances power generation efficiency but also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing coal consumption.

The stage-II project is poised to play a pivotal role in minimizing environmental impact, as it will require less coal for electricity production. The power plant will source coal from its captive Talaipali coal mine through a merry-go-round (MGR) system, ensuring cost-effective energy production compared to external coal procurement.

In addition to catering to the energy needs of Chhattisgarh, the power plant will supply electricity to Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa, Daman & Diu, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, meeting the growing demand across central and western India.

The installation of the Lara Thermal Power Plant project is generating employment opportunities both directly and indirectly in the region, contributing to socio-economic development. Furthermore, NTPC is actively engaging in various community development initiatives in the vicinity, focusing on education, drinking water, sanitation, healthcare, and women empowerment, thus fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development.

BS