What’s inside:
This article covers the Bihar government’s recent contract award for a thermal power plant to Adani Power, the bidding details, and the political reactions surrounding it.
The Bihar government has recently awarded the contract for the 2,400 MW Bhagalpur (Peerpainti) thermal power plant to Adani Power Limited. This decision came after a competitive bidding process where Adani Power offered the lowest electricity rate.
Adani Power bid Rs 6.075 per unit for the project, which was lower than the bids from Torrent Power, JSW Energy, and Lalitpur Power Generation. This rate includes a fixed charge of Rs 4.165 and a fuel charge of Rs 1.91 per unit.
This contract is important as Bihar’s electricity demand is expected to double to over 17,000 MW by 2034-35. The project might involve an investment of around Rs 30,000 crore, which is expected to boost industrial activity and create jobs in the state.
However, the project has sparked political controversy during the ongoing assembly elections. Some politicians have alleged that Adani is receiving special benefits. They claim that the rate of Rs 6.075 per unit unfairly benefits industrialists.
Officials have countered these claims, stating that the bidding process was fair and transparent. Adani Power will manage the development and operation of the plant, which was initially proposed in 2012 but was restarted in 2024 due to a lack of investors.
Summary:
- The Bihar government awarded a thermal power plant contract to Adani Power.
- Adani Power’s bid was Rs 6.075 per unit, the lowest among competitors.
- The project is expected to help meet the growing electricity demand in Bihar.
- Political controversy surrounds the project amid ongoing elections.
- The development and operation of the plant will be managed by Adani Power.
