Project Approval and Investment Overview
The Uttar Pradesh government has approved the development of the Meja Stage 2 thermal power project, a project involving an investment of approximately ₹33,000 crore. Located in the Meja tehsil of the Prayagraj district, the project site encompasses the villages of Kohdar, Mai Khurd, and Patai Dandi. The proposal has been cleared by the state energy task force and is proceeding to the state cabinet for finalization. This state-level approval follows the NTPC Board’s formal sanction of the investment on March 28, 2026.
Technical Configuration and Capacity Breakdown
The Stage 2 expansion consists of a 2,400 MW capacity addition, which will increase the total site capacity to 3,720 MW. Unlike the 1,320 MW Stage 1 facility that utilizes Supercritical technology, Stage 2 will employ Ultra Supercritical technology. Technical specifications indicate that Ultra Supercritical units provide 10% higher efficiency and a 20% reduction in coal consumption compared to sub-critical power plants.
- Total Capacity Addition: 2,400 MW
- Unit Configuration: Three units of 800 MW each
- Technology: Ultra Supercritical technology
- Existing Capacity (Stage 1): 1,320 MW (2×660 MW units)
Joint Venture Structure and Equity Details
The project is executed by Meja Urja Nigam Private Limited (MUNPL), a 50:50 joint venture between NTPC Limited and Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (UPRVUNL). In FY 2024-25, MUNPL reported a turnover of ₹5,099 crore, an increase from ₹4,242 crore the previous year. To fund the Stage 2 expansion, the NTPC Board approved an additional equity infusion of ₹3,173.67 crore. This capital will be subscribed through a rights issue mechanism, conditional upon a proportionate contribution from UPRVUNL. Following this infusion, NTPC’s total equity commitment in the JV will reach ₹5,000 crore, maintaining the equal shareholding pattern.
Project Timeline and Regional Context
The expansion is projected to be completed within a five-year timeline, with final development and transaction closure expected by FY 2029-30. Fuel requirements for Stage 2 are secured through a coal linkage from Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), as per a Coal India Limited (CIL) allocation letter dated June 20, 2024. The site is supported by a 28-km rail freight corridor for coal transport and a 30-km pipeline network for industrial water sourced from the River Ganga. Stage 1 currently provides 82% of its generated power to the Uttar Pradesh state grid.
Meeting State Energy Demand
The project is positioned to address the projected peak energy demand in Uttar Pradesh, which is estimated to reach 33,375 MW by June 2026. The state’s energy roadmap targets a total availability of 34,000 MW to ensure energy security and support regional industrial requirements. Approximately 80% of peak demand is expected to be met through previously signed long-term power purchase agreements and MoUs.
Environmental and Operational Standards
The Stage 2 project is designed to meet Environmental Clearance (EC) standards through the following technical specifications:
- Water Management: Adoption of Air Cooled Condenser (ACC) technology to reduce water footprint. The specific water consumption rate is 3 m3/MWhr, supported by two on-site reservoirs with a 29 lakh cubic meter capacity, providing a 14-day reserve.
- Emission Control: Installation of high-efficiency Electrostatic Precipitators (ESPs) to limit particulate emissions to 30 mg/Nm3. A wet limestone-based Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) system will be utilized to maintain SO2 emissions below 100 mg/Nm3.
- Chimney Configuration: One twin flue chimney with a height of 220 meters for two units and one single flue chimney at 150 meters for the third unit.
- Waste Management: Implementation of a Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) system.
- Wildlife Conservation: A budget of ₹3.51 crore is earmarked for a Wildlife Conservation Plan targeting Schedule-I species identified in the study area, including the Blackbuck and Peafowl.
Leave a Comment