Bengal is adding fresh capacity in the energy sector through non-fossil fuel sources.

Speaking on the third day of Infocom 2022, an ABP Group initiative, state power minister Aroop Biswas said that besides expanding capacity, capital has been earmarked towards the modernisation of the power sector.

“We are setting up another 1000 MW pump storage project at Turga in addition to our existing PPSP of 900 MW at Ayodhya Pahar. In addition, 182.5 MW floating and ground-mounted solar PV projects are at various stages of implementation at Goaltore, Sagardighi, Santaldih,” the minister said.

He said the state cabinet has approved the setting up of a 500 MW floating solar plant at Bakreshwar Dam.

“Recently the government of India has identified Bengal as a potential state for green hydrogen or ammonia manufacturing zone. WBPDCL is planning to install a green Hydrogen Plant at Durgapur as a pilot project,” the minister said.

“The pursuit towards energy transition has got a major fillip through the RDSS programme in which Rs 11,895 crore shall be invested for loss reduction, installation of smart meters and system modernisation,” he said.

On the fossil fuel side, a 660 MW supercritical thermal power station is under construction at Sagardighi.

Biswas said the state has further potential to add one 660 MW and two 800 MW thermal power units at Bakreswar and Santaldih, respectively.

“We have planned to go for major upgradation in Kolaghat and Bandel thermal power stations also,” he said.