West Bengal Charts Bold Energy Future with Major Push in Thermal and Renewables – EQ
In Short : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced major energy plans, including solar, wind, and tidal projects. The state will add a 1,600 MW thermal plant in Salboni and a 112.5 MW solar project in Garbeta. A 1,000 MW pumped storage plant is also planned. Bengal aims to source 20% of its energy from renewables by 2030.
In Detail : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has unveiled the state’s ambitious energy roadmap, emphasizing a balanced mix of conventional and renewable power sources. She highlighted the government’s commitment to boosting energy infrastructure and promoting sustainable development across the state.
Currently, the state’s installed power capacity stands at over 15,500 MW, with the majority coming from thermal sources. In an effort to expand this capacity, a major thermal power project of 1,600 MW is set to come up in Salboni, Paschim Medinipur. The project, awarded to JSW Energy Ltd, will commence construction on April 21 and is expected to be operational within five years.
In addition to this, the state is actively working on expanding its renewable energy portfolio. A 112.5 MW solar power project in Garbeta, developed with foreign investment, is scheduled to be inaugurated on April 22. This project is a significant step towards the state’s clean energy goals and was made possible with support from a German firm.
The government is also exploring energy storage solutions, including a 1,000 MW pumped storage power plant. Such facilities will play a crucial role in maintaining grid stability and supporting the integration of more renewable energy into the power mix.
West Bengal has set a target to generate 20% of its total energy from renewable sources by 2030. Projects like the Bandu Pumped Storage Project in Purulia, being developed through a public-private partnership, demonstrate the state’s determination to meet this goal.
These developments underscore the state’s strategic push to not only meet the growing power demand but also to transition toward cleaner energy. With a mix of thermal, solar, wind, tidal, and storage projects, West Bengal is positioning itself as a forward-looking state in India’s evolving energy landscape.
