The Damodar Valley Corp is planning to expand the generating capacity at its four thermal power stations by over 1400 MW. A proposal has been submitted to the Union power ministry and the corporation has appointed Development Consultants Ltd to prepare a feasibility report.
Damodar Valley currently operates 2540 MW of generating capacity at plants at Durgapur, Chandrapura, Bokaro and Mejia.
The expansion plans will mainly involve the installation of new 250MW units. Under Indian government regulations, 250 MW is the minimum size of unit that is eligible for international bids.
One new unit would be installed at Durgapur where two units were decommissioned in 1985 after a fire. Four units at the Bokaro A thermal station have reached the end of their economic lives and will be replaced by a new 250 MW unit. A further two units will be installed at Chandrapura to supplement the station’s existing six units with a combined capacity of 750 MW. In Mejia, meanwhile, the company wants to supplement the existing three 210 MW units with a further 210 MW unit and a 250 MW unit.
In addition to existing plant expansion, Damodar Valley is involved in a joint venture with the Maharashtra State Electricity Board to develop the 1000 MW Maithon right bank project. This is awaiting land acquisition and forest clearance.
The company also retains the option of building the 1000 MW Maithon left bank project. A feasibility report for this scheme was submitted in 1990.