In News : 

Four private power companies show interest in setting up 2400 MW plant at Pirpainti in Bihar

Analysis

• Four private power companies have shown interest in setting up a 2400 MW thermal power plant at Pirpainti (Bhagalpur district), Bihar.
• The interested companies are Adani Power, JSW Energy, Torrent Power, and Lalitpur Power Generation Company Ltd (Bajaj Group subsidiary).
• The project involves three units of 800 MW each, to be developed on 1200 acres of land.
• With an estimated investment of ₹28,000 crore, it will be the largest private sector investment in Bihar’s power sector.
• The project is being implemented through the Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) route.
• Bihar State Power Generation Company Limited (BSPGCL) is the nodal agency for the bidding process.
• The Bihar Cabinet had given in-principle approval on 4 February 2025.
• Coal requirement of 10.43 MTPA is proposed to be linked with Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL).
• Water requirement of 60 cusecs is proposed to be sourced from the River Ganga, subject to clearance.
• Power generated will primarily be supplied to South Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd and North Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd, with surplus allowed for sale in the open market.

Necessary Static Part

• Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB): A mechanism for procuring power at competitive tariffs through transparent bidding.
• BSPGCL: State-owned entity responsible for power generation planning and execution in Bihar.
• Thermal Power Plants: Electricity generation units using coal as the primary fuel source.
• Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL): A subsidiary of Coal India Limited operating in eastern India.

Updated – 28 June 2025; 07:21 AM IST | News Source:The Hindu