Adani Power Advances ₹30,181 Crore Odisha Thermal Project Preparation

Adani Power Limited has accelerated the initial development activities for its planned 2,400 megawatt (MW) ultra-supercritical thermal power plant in Odisha. This project, with an investment of ₹30,181 crore, has now entered the environmental clearance stage, a crucial step before full-scale construction can begin.

Named the Nilanchal Ultra Super Critical Thermal Power Plant (USCTPP), the facility is set to be constructed across Rahangol and Kandarei villages in the Cuttack district of Odisha. The plant will comprise three coal-fired units, each with a capacity of 800 MW, contributing significantly to India’s power generation capabilities.

Adani Power intends to use ultra-supercritical technology for this project. This advanced method operates at much higher steam temperatures and pressures than conventional subcritical plants, resulting in improved efficiency in converting coal into electricity. The choice of three 800 MW units positions the plant among the larger scale thermal power projects currently underway in India.

According to documents reviewed by Business Standard, the project will occupy approximately 331.49 hectares of land. This includes 315.51 hectares of non-forest land and 15.984 hectares of designated forest land. The plant is expected to consume around 9.67 million tonnes of coal each year.

The selected site is situated at an elevation between 72 and 92 meters above sea level, roughly 9 kilometers from the Mahanadi River, which will be the primary water source for the plant. The facility requires an estimated 42 million cubic meters of water annually, and Adani Power has applied to the Odisha Water Resources Department to secure the necessary water allocation.

The draft Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report details that water will be drawn via an intake structure and pumping station located near the river. From there, it will be transported to a raw water reservoir within the plant’s premises. The plant is designed to employ a water-cooled condenser system to optimize water usage.

The Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) has issued a public hearing notice as part of the environmental clearance process. This invites comments, objections, and suggestions from local communities and stakeholders. The public hearing is scheduled for December 18, marking a key milestone in the project’s regulatory review.

On top of the EIA, Adani Power is conducting additional studies, including an assessment of the sustainability of withdrawing large volumes of water from the Mahanadi River. These measures are intended to ensure environmental compliance and minimize ecological impact.

The project documentation reveals a substantial financial commitment to environmental protection. A capital budget of ₹1,908 crore has been allocated for environmental safeguards, while an annual recurring expense of ₹82 crore is planned for ongoing environmental management and operational controls.

An Adani Power representative confirmed that preparatory work such as the EIA report and environmental management plan have been completed. The company is now focused on the public consultation phase and will proceed with further regulatory steps based on the outcomes of the public hearing and environmental appraisals.

This investment in Odisha reflects Adani Power’s broader strategy to expand India’s thermal power capacity while incorporating modern technology aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing emissions. As the country continues to balance growing energy demand with environmental considerations, projects like Nilanchal USCTPP play an important role in shaping the future energy landscape.