JSW Energy begins construction of ₹16,000 cr West Bengal plant, projects 2,000 jobs

Power major JSW Energy Limited has started the construction of its state-of-the-art 1,600 MW (2x800 MW) ultra supercritical thermal power plant in Salboni, West Bengal. The ₹16,000 crore project is the company’s largest greenfield project to date.

The plant is tied up under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company (WBSEDCL). It will utilise domestic coal allocated to West Bengal under the SHAKTI B (IV) policy, ensuring energy security and supporting regional economic growth.

JSW, in a statement, says the Salboni project is a "cornerstone" in JSW Energy's East India expansion strategy, which will bolster the region's industrial infrastructure and create substantial employment opportunities. The project is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, focusing on skill development and local sourcing to uplift the Salboni region and its surroundings.

JSW Chairman Sajjan Jindal says the upcoming 1,600 MW ultra supercritical thermal power plant is the biggest thermal power project by a private company in West Bengal. "We are going to invest Rs 16,000 crore in this project, and it will generate opportunities for more than 2000 jobs in direct and indirect employment."

Jindal says the company is also setting up a JSW Industrial Park in Salboni, spread over 2000 acres, with a plug-&-play infrastructure. The company claims the industrial park will be a "game changer" in the industrial and economic growth in the state as well as the eastern region.

JSW Energy says it has maintained a 'Leadership Band (A-)' rating in CDP Climate Change for the third consecutive year. It is also investing in green hydrogen and energy storage solutions for the nation’s reliable and affordable energy.

The company, in its outlook, says it has made significant strides towards its target of 20 GW power generation before 2030 by securing projects and having a locked-in capacity of more than 30 GW. The company expects to reach 14 GW installed capacity by June 2025.

JSW Energy also has significant projects totalling 16.3 GWh in energy storage space, including one of India’s largest pumped hydro storage projects of 12 GWh. It is targeting 40 GWh of energy storage capacity by 2030.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee