The country's largest stainless steel maker JSL signed an agreement with the Orissa government to set up a super critical 1,320 MW thermal power plant in the state at an investment of INR 7,375 crore. As per report the deal was signed at the state secretariat by Mr Rajdeep Mohanty chief resident manager of JSL Orissa project and Mr PK Jena energy secretary.

The report said that JSL has proposed to set up the plant at Luni in Dhenkanal district in 55 months from the date of possession of the land.

Mr Mohanty said that "We require about 2,000 acres of land for the plant.”

JSL does not have a coal block or the coal linkage to feed the proposed plant. But Mr Bhabagrahi Mohapatra additional secretary in the energy department said that the agreement would help the company to apply for that to the central government. He said that "The state government will provide the required cooperation and critical support in shape of land, water, law and order to the promoters to establish the plant.”

Mr Mohapatra further added that "The project will create employment opportunity (direct and indirect) for 2,600 persons in the state.”

(Sourced from IANS)