Adani Power Ltd, India’s largest private thermal power producer, has announced plans to set up a massive ₹10,500 crore thermal power plant in Madhya Pradesh’s Anuppur district, a move that underscores the state’s growing electricity needs and India’s continued reliance on coal to keep the lights on.
The new plant, which will have a capacity of 800 megawatts, is part of a contract awarded by MP Power Management Company Limited (MPPMCL), the state’s power utility. The project will be built using ultra-supercritical technology, which allows for higher fuel efficiency and lower emissions compared to older coal plants. The company said the facility is expected to be ready within 54 months, marking another milestone in its aggressive push to expand India’s thermal power capacity.
A Strategic Push Amid Rising Demand
Madhya Pradesh, one of India’s fastest-growing states, has seen an increase in electricity consumption driven by rapid urbanization, new industries, and rising household demand. State officials have emphasized the need for a steady power supply to support this growth, making large-scale energy investments like this project crucial to its long-term plans.
Adani Power’s new venture comes under the Design, Build, Finance, Own, and Operate (DBFOO) model, giving the company long-term control over the plant’s construction and operations. Coal for the project will be sourced through the government’s SHAKTI policy, a scheme aimed at ensuring a reliable coal supply for power plants across India.
Industry experts note that while renewable energy is growing at a record pace in India, coal remains the backbone of the country’s energy mix, providing nearly 70% of electricity. “Round-the-clock supply is still a challenge for solar and wind power,” said an energy analyst. “Plants like this one are essential for grid stability, especially as India electrifies more households and industries.”
Stock Market Cheers the Move
News of the Thermal project sent Adani Power’s shares rising over 2% on Monday morning. The stock opened at ₹606 on the National Stock Exchange and hit an intraday high of ₹614.80. The rally reflects investor confidence in the company’s continued dominance of India’s power sector and its strong project execution track record.
This announcement also marks Adani Power’s fourth major project win in the past year, further solidifying its position as a key player in India’s energy landscape.
Balancing Coal and Clean Energy Goals
India has pledged to increase its renewable energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030, a goal that requires massive investment in solar, wind, and hydropower. However, experts say coal-fired plants will remain vital for decades to come.
Adani Power has emphasized that the use of ultra-supercritical technology in the new plant will help minimize environmental impact by improving fuel efficiency and lowering emissions per unit of electricity generated. Such advancements are seen as a way to bridge the gap between India’s growing energy needs and its commitment to sustainability.
For Madhya Pradesh, the project is expected to bring not just energy security but also significant economic benefits, including job creation during construction and plant operations. Local communities in Anuppur are expected to see a surge in infrastructure development as work on the plant begins.
The new thermal plant represents more than just a business expansion for Adani Power. It’s a reflection of India’s complex energy journey—balancing ambitious clean energy targets with the immediate need for reliable, large-scale power production to fuel a fast-growing economy.
