JSW Energy’s Largest Greenfield Project of 1600 MW Thermal Plant Announced in West Bengal

JSW Energy plans to develop a 1,600 MW thermal power plant in Salboni, West Bengal. This marks the company’s largest greenfield venture to date and its first significant move into the eastern region of India. The project was awarded through a competitive bidding process, followed by the signing of a power purchase agreement (PPA) with the West Bengal government.

Meeting the Region’s Rising Energy Demand

In a recent media interaction, Sharad Mahendra, Joint Managing Director and CEO of JSW Energy, highlighted the energy consumption trends in West Bengal. He revealed that the state’s current per capita electricity consumption is approximately 650 units per year, just about half of the national average of 1,200 units.

With the state’s focus on rapid industrial development, Mahendra stated that West Bengal’s power demand is projected to double over the next 10 years, surpassing the expected national growth rate.

Project Cost

“The project cost is ₹16,000 crore, and it is the largest greenfield investment by the company. It also holds strategic significance,” JSW Energy’s Joint Managing Director Sharad Mahendra said.

Read More: JSW Energy Finalises Acquisition of 4.7 GW Renewable Energy Portfolio from O2 Power

Growth Drivers: Industrialisation, Urbanisation, and New-Age Sectors

The surge in power demand will be underpinned by West Bengal’s industrialisation initiatives. Emerging sectors such as manufacturing, data centres, artificial intelligence, and services are set to play a crucial role. Urbanisation will further fuel the need for reliable energy infrastructure.

Thermal Power’s Continued Relevance

Although JSW Energy is actively expanding its renewable energy portfolio—including solar, wind, and battery storage- Mahendra underscored the enduring importance of thermal power for providing consistent, round-the-clock electricity.

He also referred to a recent shift in central government policy that increased the country’s targeted thermal power capacity addition to 80 GW by 2032, highlighting the continuing role of conventional energy in India’s power mix.

Market Reaction

As of 1:34 PM on April 21, 2025, JSW Energy’s share price has risen by more than 1% and is trading at ₹512.15.

Conclusion 

The 1,600 MW thermal plant marks a significant step in JSW Energy’s expansion into eastern India. It reflects the growing energy needs of West Bengal’s industrial future.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.