New Delhi: NLC India Limited (NLCIL) has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Industrial Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha Limited (IPICOL) to explore major investments in power generation, coal gasification and mineral processing in Odisha. The agreements were signed in Mumbai on October 22, 2026, and cover proposed projects aimed at strengthening the state’s industrial infrastructure and generating employment.
The key proposal is a 3,200 MW ultra-supercritical coal-based thermal power plant, comprising four units of 800 MW each, with a potential investment of ₹35,000 crore. The project is expected to create employment opportunities for approximately 4,000 people.
The MoUs establish a framework for exploring the feasibility and development of these projects. The proposals remain at the exploration and development stage, and the agreements do not indicate that construction has commenced.
NLC India Plans 3,200 MW Thermal Power Plant in Odisha
Under the proposed power project, NLCIL and IPICOL will explore the development of a 3,200 MW ultra-supercritical coal-based thermal power plant in Odisha.
The project carries a potential investment of ₹35,000 crore and is expected to generate around 4,000 jobs. If implemented, it could strengthen Odisha’s power infrastructure, support rising electricity demand and contribute to industrial development in the state.
The proposed investment also reflects efforts to expand power generation capacity and support the growth of industries that depend on reliable electricity supplies.
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NLCIL and IPICOL to Explore Coal Gasification and Fertiliser Production
Under a separate MoU, NLCIL and IPICOL will explore the technical feasibility of a coal gasification project in Odisha, including potential linkages between coal gasification and fertiliser production.
The proposed initiative will examine the production of synthesis gas, commonly known as syngas, for potential applications in the fertiliser sector.
The exploration aims to identify opportunities to integrate domestic coal resources with industrial feedstock requirements and fertiliser manufacturing. If taken forward, the initiative could help strengthen linkages between the coal and fertiliser sectors and support the domestic utilisation of natural resources.
Proposed Beach Sand Mineral Processing Facility Involves ₹2,000 Crore Investment
The MoUs also cover a proposed beach sand mineral processing facility in Odisha, involving a tentative investment of ₹2,000 crore.The facility is expected to create employment opportunities for approximately 500 people. The project aims to promote mineral-based industries and explore opportunities for value addition through mineral processing.
Together, the proposed thermal power plant and mineral processing facility represent a potential investment of ₹37,000 crore and could generate employment for around 4,500 people, subject to project development and implementation.
Senior Officials Attend MoU Signing Ceremony
The MoUs were signed in Mumbai on October 22, 2026, by I.S. Jasper Rose, Executive Director (Mines and Land) at NLCIL, and Aboli Sunil Naravane, IAS, Managing Director of IPICOL.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Hemant Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary of the Industries Department, and Prasanna Kumar Acharya, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of NLCIL, were present at the signing ceremony.
The agreements provide a framework for both organisations to examine the technical and investment potential of the proposed projects and identify opportunities for industrial development in Odisha.
Projects Aim to Support Odisha’s Industrial Growth
The proposed collaboration is aimed at strengthening Odisha’s power infrastructure, promoting mineral-based industries and creating employment opportunities. The coal gasification initiative will also examine potential integration between the coal and fertiliser sectors.
The partnership aligns with the Government of India’s broader Atmanirbhar Bharat vision by exploring ways to utilise domestic resources for power generation and industrial applications.
The proposed investments could contribute to Odisha’s industrial expansion if the projects progress beyond the feasibility and development stages.
About NLC India Limited
NLC India Limited (NLCIL) is a Government of India enterprise under the Ministry of Coal. The company operates in lignite and coal mining and power generation, including thermal and renewable energy. It contributes to India’s energy security through mining operations and electricity generation.
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