File photo: Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel.
Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel on Thursday laid the foundation stone for 800 mega watt (MW) super critical coal-based thermal power plant, to be set up by BHEL at a cost of Rs 4,465 crore, at Wanakbori in Kheda district.
The project is expected to be completed within next three years. This will be the eighth power generation unit at existing Wanakbori thermal power plant having seven units at present, said Gujarat Energy and Finance Minister Saurabh Patel, who was also present during the ceremony here.
"After getting Environmental Clearance in 2014, state-run Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Ltd (GSECL) floated a tender to set up 800 MW unit here. That contract was won by Bharat Heavy Electrical Ltd (BHEL)," said Mr Saurabh Patel in his speech.
He further listed key features of this upcoming new plant, including less emission and coal consumption.
"Each of the seven existing units at Wanakbori power plant is of 210 MW. This new unit will be of 800 MW. This new unit will use super critical technology that will have very less emission and lesser fuel consumption. It will burn 25 per cent less coal in comparison to other similar size units," Mr Saurabh Patel added.
On the occasion of foundation stone laying ceremony, Anandiben Patel assured people that the project will be completed in 2018.
"The BJP-government is known for inaugurating all those projects for which we lay foundation stone. I want to assure you that BJP will be in power in 2018 (after 2017 Assembly elections) and I am confident that we will inaugurate this plant, for which we have laid foundation stone today," the Chief Minister said in her address.