Meghalaya to set up coal-based thermal power project

Shillong, Feb 4 (UNI) The Meghalaya government will soon set up the first coal-based thermal power project at Nangalbibra in South Garo Hills district.

The thermal project,perhaps the biggest power project in the state, would be taken up by the North East Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO).

The power production of the project is expected to be around 240 MW. With Garo Hills having sufficient coal reserves, the power production can be expected to be 1,000 MW or more on a long-term basis.

The thermal power station scheme envisages the installation of 4x30 MW, which would use coal from West Darrangiri coalfields.

The setting up of the power project would save the state's treasury department from purchasing expensive power from outside in years of scanty rainfall, state Principal Secretary of Power B K Dev Verma told UNI here today.

He said the National Committee on Environmental Planning and Co-ordination of Department of Science and Technology has already given its clearance to the state government to kick-start the project.

''Now, we are in the process of negotiating with NEEPCO on certain areas before the implementation of the project,'' Mr Verma said.

He also said that Meghalaya urgently requires a mixture of 30 per cent thermal and 70 per cent hydro-power generation to ensure a reliable power system in the state.

UNI