Projects Today reported that the Orissa Power Generation Corporation, a JV between the Orissa government and AES Corporation is likely to invite global tender by August to September 2009 for 1,200 MW expansion Unit-III & IV of 600 MW each at its existing thermal power complex at Ib Valley in Jharsuguda district.

OPGC has decided to speed up basic work of the project like land acquisition, rehabilitation, forest and environment clearance etc to make it lucrative for the prospective vendors who will be participating in the tender.

As per report, the project has been allotted two coal blocks at Manoharpur and Dipside Manoharpur in Ib Valley sector of Mahanadi Coalfields. The land requirement for the mining is estimated at 2000 acre while another 350 acre will be required for the construction of the power plant and residential quarters.

According to sources, the expansion is likely to cost INR 7000 crore. Out of this, around INR 5200 crore will go towards setting up the 2 new units of 600 MW each and the rest will be spent on development of coal mines.

(Sourced from Projects Today)