The first mega investment cleared by the Andhra Pradesh after bifurcation – 4000 MW power plant by NTPC at Atchutapuram, about 40 km from here will get fast-track project status.
After 1200 acres allotted to the power major with the issuance of GO on September 4, which is under possession of APIIC, NTPC is hopeful of commissioning the entire project using super critical technology within five years. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has instructed the officials to accord all clearances without any delay.
Sources said the project would involve a total investment of Rs.20,000 crore. The project close to Pudimadaka, a seaside fishermen hamlet, is about 15 km from Anakapalle railway station and equal distance from NTPC’s 2,000 MW Simhadri Super Thermal Power Station.
“After land acquisition, we will conduct geotechnical investigation, topography and environmental impact assessment studies so as to fasten process for public hearing and subsequently to launch construction,” a senior official of NTPC told The Hindu on Monday.
The company will bank on its requirement on imported coal, which is estimated at 19.8 million tonne per annum. Due to use of high value coal, it will have higher efficiency, higher calorific value, more heat rate and less carbon emission and ash generation.
Pipeline and rail siding will be done outside the site allotted for the power plant. Ash content would be less due to use of imported coal, the official said.
Though the undivided A.P. government signed a draft power purchase agreement with NTPC in early 2011, there was no progress with regard to land acquisition on the mega power project due to several reasons.
The 1,040 coal-fired power plant by Hinduja National Power Corporation Ltd established at Palavalasa, about 50 km from here at a cost of Rs.6,000 crore is now undergoing pre-commissioning trials.
