Minister Manohar Lal reviews the power department in Odisha at a meeting in Bhubaneswar
New Delhi [India]March 23 (ANI): Union Minister of Electricity and Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, and senior Odisha government officials held a detailed review meeting in the state capital Bhubaneswar on Sunday.
According to a statement from the Department of Powers, the discussion covers key issues including fly ash utilization, capacity increase, transmission infrastructure and power distribution.
During the meeting, issues regarding the realization of fly ash utilization rates Manohar Lal guaranteed a joint meeting with the Ministry of Coal, Environment and Railways will be convened to address the issue in a comprehensive manner, including providing sufficient railway rakes for long-distance transport of fly ash.
The state government stressed the need to meet the growing electricity demand, informing Odisha that currently has 20 GW of coal-based thermal capacity, with an additional 10 GW in the channel expected to be commissioned within the next 5-6 years.
The union minister encouraged the development of more Kengtou thermal plants in Odisha, including joint ventures with one-generation companies in other states.
On the transmission side, Odisha shared the latest developments in its planning strategies within its country and strengthening supply in cities such as Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
The Federal Minister of Electricity also cleared the steps taken by Odisha Electric Power Transmission Company Limited (OPTCL) to resolve the rights (industry) issue.
He informed that after the assembly process is completed, the new Ministry of Renewable Energy (MNRE) will establish a green energy corridor in the internal transmission network of Odisha after March 31, 2025.
Regarding the inclusion of Odisha in the subsequent phase of the remodeled Distribution Sector Plan (RDSS), the Union Minister promised that the matter would be properly resolved.
During the distribution of electricity, he said Odisha will obtain sufficient electricity from the second phase of the Talabira Thermal Project in NLCIL, consistent with the Ministry of Power guidelines.
“The visit of (Minister) reflects the Centre’s commitment to strengthening the power infrastructure in Odisha and promoting sustainable growth in the energy sector,” the Ministry of Power said. (ANI)
