JSW Energy starts construction of ultra supercritical thermal power plant in Bengal's Salboni, Mamata lays foundation stone
Kolkata/IBNS: JSW Energy Limited, a leading private-sector power producer in India and a part of the $24 billion JSW Group, Monday commenced construction of its 1,600 MW (2x800 MW) ultra supercritical thermal power plant in West Bengal's Salboni.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was present at the ground-breaking ceremony.
She was accompanied by JSW Group Chairman Sajjan Jindal, JSW Foundation Chairperson Sangita Jindal, and Parth Jindal of the JSW Group, among other dignitaries from the government.
This ₹16,000 crore project is the company’s largest greenfield project to date, an official statement said.
The plant is tied up under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL).
It will utilize domestic coal allocated to West Bengal under the SHAKTI B (IV) policy, ensuring energy security and supporting regional economic growth.
What Mamata Banerjee said?
Speaking on the occasion, Banerjee said: "This landmark project will power 23 districts and generate over 15,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities. I also laid the foundation stone of a 2,000-acre Industrial Park by the JSW Group, which will create thousands of jobs and unlock new economic opportunities for our youth."
"When we came to office, Bengal’s power generation capacity was just 2,000 MW. Today, it stands at 10,000 MW. We are investing ₹48,000 crore to scale it up to 18,000 MW, with 660 MW at Sagardighi, two units of 660 MW at Bakreshwar, and 800 MW at Santaldih," she said.
Banerjee said her government has laid 3.5 lakh km of electric lines, built 750 substations, and "invested ₹76,000 crore to fortify our grid".
"Bengal is now an industrial powerhouse and the gateway to Eastern India. I thank Shri Sajjan Jindal and the JSW Group for their trust and partnership," she said.
Strategic Importance and Economic Impact
The Salboni project is a cornerstone in JSW Energy's East India expansion strategy, aiming to bolster the region's industrial infrastructure and create substantial employment opportunities.
The project is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, focusing on skill development and local sourcing to uplift the Salboni region and its surroundings.
Sajjan Jindal said: “It is always a pleasure to return to Salboni – the place which marked the beginning of our journey in West Bengal. This journey would not have been possible without the inspiring leadership of honorable Chief Minister Mamata Didi and the valuable guidance and support of the state government. Her vision for Bengal and belief in its people continue to inspire us to invest and grow in the state.
“The upcoming 1600 MW Ultra supercritical thermal power plant of JSW Energy is the largest greenfield plant of our Group and the biggest thermal power project by the private sector in the state of West Bengal.
"We are going to invest Rs 16,000 crore in this project and it will generate opportunities for more than 2000 jobs in direct and indirect employment. We are also setting up a JSW Industrial Park here in Salboni spread over 2000 acres, with a plug-&-play infrastructure in keeping with the latest urban planning principles. The industrial park will be a game changer in the industrial and economic growth in the state as well as the eastern region of our country," he said.
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