Post News Network
New Delhi, March 2: The Centre has chosen two sites for launch of ‘‘plug-and-play’’ model power units in Orissa under ‘‘Ultra Mega Power Plant’’ (UMPP) schemes which figure in the Union Budget 2015-16 proposals presented by finance minister Arun Jaitley, February 28.
Jaitley has proposed five new UMPPs in ‘plug-and-play mode’ to unlock investments to the extent of Rs 1 lakh crore and these projects are meant to be different from the existing UMPPs as all clearances and linkages will be in place before they are put up for auction.
Official sources have indicated that the Power Finance Corporation (PFC), the nodal agency for UMPPs, has identified the proposed 4000 mw projects. These are Bijoypatna in Chandbali tehsil of Bhadrak district and Narla in Kasinga sub-division of Kalahandi district.
According to a senior Coal ministry official, one of the two proposed sites may be developed under the new ‘plug-and-play’ model immediately as most of the clearances are ready and it is awaiting the state government’s nod for captive coal linkage.
In the case of proposed UMPP at Bijoypatna, the Orissa government has identified Bankhui coal block for captive use. Ghogarpalli and Dipside of Ghogarpalli coal blocks have been identified for the second project but the coal ministry’s approval is awaited.
On its part, the power finance corporation has set up two shell companies – Sakhigopal Integrated Power Co. and Ghogarpalli Integrated Power Co – so that the projects could be put on fast track mode once the approvals are through.
The Union Budget has decided to revamp the UMPPs as the scheme has remained suspended since 2009.