Kolkata: The Bengal govt has invited applications from developers to establish two major supercritical thermal power projects under the tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) route. The proposed expansion includes a 2×800 MW plant at the Santaldih Thermal Power Station (STPS) and a 1×660 MW unit at the Bakreswar Thermal Power Station (BTPS).The state power department, acting for the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Co Ltd (WBSEDCL), has structured the projects on a design, build, finance, own, and operate (DBFOO) basis. While the govt will provide the land —identified within the existing premises of the West Bengal Power Development Corporation Ltd (WBPDCL) — the selected private developers will handle the investment, construction, and operational management.“The entire generation from these projects will be supplied to WBSEDCL,” a senior official said. “The lowest bidder will be selected based on the tariff offered, and a formal power purchase agreement (PPA) will be signed accordingly.”Officials estimate a cumulative investment exceeding Rs 22,000 crore over the next four to five years, based on industry benchmarks of approximately Rs 10 crore per megawatt for supercritical technology. Beyond power security, these projects are expected to drive significant local employment during both the construction and operational phases.This initiative reflects a strategic policy shift: the state govt is increasingly moving away from direct funding for large infrastructure projects exceeding Rs 150 crore. By utilizing the TBCB route, the state reduces its immediate capital burden while leveraging private investment and competitive market pricing for electricity procurement.This model follows the template established by JSW Energy’s ongoing 1600 MW project at Salboni. That Rs 16,000 crore venture is Bengal’s first TBCB project; once commercial generation commences in 2030, the entire output will be sold to WBSEDCL at a discovered rate of Rs 5.45 per unit.
