**Summary: Union Minister Reviews Odisha’s Power Sector Development**
Union Minister of Power and Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, conducted a comprehensive review of Odisha’s power sector development on March 23 in Bhubaneswar. The meeting focused on critical issues such as fly ash utilization, capacity expansion, and transmission infrastructure.
### Key Issues Discussed
#### Fly Ash Utilization
– Manohar Lal emphasized the importance of achieving fly ash utilization targets.
– A joint meeting with the Ministries of Coal, Environment, and Railways will be organized to address this issue, including the provision of adequate rail rakes for long-distance transportation.
#### Capacity Addition
– Odisha currently operates 20 GW of coal-based thermal power capacity, with an additional 10 GW expected to be commissioned in the next 5-6 years.
– The Union Minister encouraged the establishment of more pit-head thermal power plants in Odisha, potentially through joint ventures with other states.
#### Transmission Infrastructure
– Odisha presented its intra-state planning strategy and recent advancements in enhancing power supply to cities like Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
– The Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL) is actively working to resolve Right of Way (RoW) issues.
#### Green Energy Corridor
– The proposal for a green energy corridor within Odisha’s intrastate transmission network will be addressed by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) after March 31, 2025.
#### Power Allocation
– Odisha will receive sufficient power from Phase II of NLCIL’s Talabira Thermal Power Project, adhering to Ministry of Power guidelines.
The Union Minister’s visit underscores the Centre’s commitment to bolstering Odisha’s power infrastructure and promoting sustainable growth in the energy sector.
### FAQ:
**What are the key developments in Odisha’s power sector as discussed in the recent review meeting?**
The review meeting highlighted fly ash utilization, capacity addition of 10 GW, and improvements in transmission infrastructure, with a focus on enhancing power supply to major cities.
**Alt Text:** Union Minister Manohar Lal reviews Odisha’s power sector development.
**URL Slug:** odisha-power-sector-development-review-meeting
