Patna: NTPC is considering the establishment of a new 800 MW ultra-supercritical thermal power unit at Barauni in Bihar, with a feasibility study currently underway ahead of a decision on the proposed project.
The proposal is subject to approval from the Ministry of Power. If cleared, the project would add another high-efficiency generating unit to Bihar’s power infrastructure while introducing battery energy storage technology at the site.
Feasibility Study In Progress
According to officials familiar with the proposal, work on the feasibility report is currently in progress.
The proposed unit is planned on the site of a decommissioned thermal power plant at Barauni, where land is already available, reducing the need for additional land acquisition.
The project is expected to move forward after the Ministry of Power considers the feasibility report and grants the necessary approvals.
Battery Storage Planned
Alongside the proposed thermal power unit, NTPC is planning to install a battery energy storage system at Barauni.
The storage facility would enable electricity generated during periods of lower demand to be stored and supplied during peak consumption hours, improving grid reliability.
Officials said this would be NTPC’s first battery storage project in Bihar.
At present, the company operates one 800 MW unit in the state under BRBCL Stage-II at Nabinagar in Aurangabad district.
Higher Efficiency, Lower Emissions
Ultra-supercritical thermal power technology operates at higher temperatures and pressures than conventional coal-fired plants, allowing more electricity to be generated using less fuel.
According to NTPC officials, such units typically consume 10% to 15% less coal per unit of electricity generated.
The improved efficiency also helps reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides while lowering water consumption.
Expansion At Other Plants Under Consideration
NTPC officials said similar 800 MW ultra-supercritical units could also be developed at the existing thermal power stations in Kahalgaon and Kanti.
While land is available at both locations, feasibility studies for those projects have not yet begun.
At Kahalgaon, a site survey for a proposed third-phase 800 MW unit has already been completed.
Bihar’s Thermal Power Capacity
NTPC currently operates six thermal power units across Bihar with a combined commercial generation capacity of about 9,500 MW.
These facilities are located at Barh, Aurangabad, Barauni, Kanti and Kahalgaon.
If approved, the proposed Barauni project would further strengthen the state’s electricity generation capacity while incorporating newer, more efficient coal-based power technology.
