The Ministry of Power (MoP) has extended coal supplies under the bridge linkage scheme for three power plants owned by the country’s largest power producer, NTPC. These plants have a combined capacity of 3,140 megawatt (MW).
The decision was taken by the standing linkage committee (SLC) in a review meeting held recently.
Bridge linkage refers to a temporary arrangement of coal supply to the power plants till the time their allocated captive coal mines become operational.
Accordingly, NTPC’s Barauni (500 MW), Tanda (1,320 MW) and Barh (1,320 MW) plants were accorded with extension in bridge linkages against the expiring contracts. These plants had requested extension of 4-5 years citing delay in development of allocated coal blocks, but were only provided with an extension of one year.
Meanwhile, not all the power plants of NTPC were successful in receiving grants for bridge linkages.
Incidentally, the decision regarding extension of bridge linkage in case of its Lara (1,600 MW) plant has been deferred till the next meeting of SLC.
The plant was seeking an extension on account of lesser material availability from the allocated Talaipalli coal mine, which has commenced operation but is yet to attain its peak capacity.
On similar grounds, the Darlipalli (1,600 MW) plant’s plea for extension was rejected by SLC. The plant has been allocated the Dulanga mine, which is currently operational. The committee in its verdict informed that the linked coal mine is expected to attain its peak capacity this year.
Apart from NTPC’s power plants, SLC has also approved bridge linkage extension for the Harduaganj Extension (660 MW) plant owned by Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam (UPRVUNL).
It is important to note that UPRVUNL has sought extension for its four power plants: Harduaganj (660 MW), Jawaharpur (1,320 MW), Obra C (1,320 MW) and Panki Extension (660 MW). These plants were allocated Saharpur Jamarpani coal mine for catering to the captive requirement, but the mine is yet to begin its operation.
Nevertheless, SLC has provided bridge linkage for one year only to Harduaganj, as it remains the only plant which has been commissioned. The remaining plants are expected to begin operation by 2023.
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