Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL) is set to embark on a massive expansion into power generation and green energy, formalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Industrial Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha (IPICOL) for a total capacity of 4,900 Megawatts (MW). The signing of a key Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is on Thursday (December 18)
The pact involves a $2.76 BIllion investment—estimated to be around ₹25,000 crore—to establish a mix of thermal and renewable energy projects in Odisha, marking a significant strategic move for the Telangana-based coal producer.
Dual Focus: Thermal and Green Energy
The ambitious plan is divided into two major components:
- Thermal Power Generation (2,400 MW): SCCL will establish a 3×800 MW (2,400 MW total) Ultra Super Critical Thermal Power Project. This captive power plant will be strategically located near the Naini coal block in Odisha, utilizing the locally mined coal to generate power efficiently.
- Renewable Energy Portfolio (2,500 MW): In line with the national thrust on clean energy, SCCL is committing the remaining 2,500 MW capacity to diverse green energy projects across Odisha. This portfolio includes:
- 1,000 MW of traditional solar power plants.
- 500 MW of floating solar power.
- 500 MW of pumped storage power (crucial for grid stability).
- 500 MW of wind power plants.
Strategic Significance
The deal positions SCCL, traditionally a coal mining giant, as a major diversified energy player with a significant footprint outside its home state of Telangana. For Odisha, the investment provides a substantial boost to its industrial landscape, job creation, and energy security, leveraging its vast coal reserves and favorable conditions for renewable energy development.
The outgoing Chairman and Managing Director of SCCL, N. Balram, previously stated that the thermal project is designed to be a captive power source, ensuring reliable and cost-effective energy generation tied to the Naini coal block’s production. The inclusion of a large 2,500 MW green energy basket also underscores the company’s commitment to transitioning its energy mix toward sustainable sources.
