Bhagalpur: In a significant push to boost Bihar’s power generation capacity, the state-owned Bihar State Power Generation Company Limited (BSPGCL) is moving ahead with the establishment of a 2400 MW thermal power unit in Pirpainti, Bhagalpur. The project, aimed at addressing the growing energy needs of the state, has received approval from the state cabinet and is set to be implemented through a tariff-based competitive bidding process (TBCB).
BSPGCL, a subsidiary of Bihar State Power Holding Company, has begun the tendering process for appointing a consultant to oversee this mega project. According to sources within the power company, the appointment of a consultant is expected to be finalized within the next month.
The tender for this project is expected to attract only a select few consultancy firms, as there are only two or three firms in the country with the expertise to handle such large-scale thermal power projects.
The state cabinet’s recent approval has paved the way for the project, with the government making clear that it will proceed under the TBCB model, ensuring transparency and competitiveness.
On the land acquisition front, BSPGCL sources have claimed that there are no major hurdles in securing the land for the thermal power unit. Initially, the site was earmarked for a solar power project, but following a thorough evaluation, it was deemed more suitable for a thermal power plant due to its geographic and infrastructural advantages. Consequently, the land previously designated for solar energy will now be repurposed for the thermal unit, allowing work to begin swiftly.
