Kolkata: Bengal is set to attract investments of over Rs 30,000 crore with the state govt deciding to set up three 800 MW supercritical/ultra-supercritical thermal power units.Among these, two will be developed at Santaldih under PPP model, for which the govt has invited applications from corporate entities. The third unit will be set up by the state-run West Bengal Power Development Corporation Ltd (WBPDCL) at Bakreshwar.“During this summer, peak demand in the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Co Ltd (WBSEDCL) network was over 10,000 MW, while the combined generation capacity of WBPDCL and WBSEDCL was around 7,000 MW. The shortfall had to be met through supplies from central generating stations such as NTPC and DVC, as well as power purchases from the open market at higher tariffs. The situation has prompted the state to set up new large power plants,” a senior official said.The power department, on behalf of WBSEDCL, has issued a Request for Qualification (RFQ) document, which outlines the qualification requirements for selecting a bidder to construct and operate two 800 MW new coal-based thermal power plants on the available land at Santaldih Thermal Power Station (STPS).The project is proposed to be constructed through PPP on a design, build, finance, own and operate basis by sourcing fuel from Coal India under Shakti Policy.Officials estimate that the two plants will attract investments of more than Rs 20,000 crore from corporate entities over the next four to five years, based on the industry benchmark of around Rs 12-13 crore per megawatt for setting up supercritical thermal power plants. The plants are also expected to generate substantial employment during both the construction and operational phases.“The state power department shall be carrying out the bidding process on behalf of WBSEDCL for selection of a corporate entity/entities as the successful bidder to whom the contract may be awarded for setting up the coal-based thermal power station of 1,600 MW for production of electricity and supply to WBSEDCL. The bidder who will offer the lowest tariff for supplying electricity to WBSEDCL shall be selected for setting up the project,” an official elaborated.Additionally, WBPDCL will set up an 800 MW supercritical thermal power unit at Bakreshwar at an estimated cost of Rs 10,070 crore. It will be the company’s first supercritical thermal power plant after the installation and commissioning of the fifth unit of Sagardighi earlier this year.
