Haryana Plans Two New 800 MW Thermal Power Units to Meet Rising Electricity Demand

Chandigarh, September 24 – In a significant push to strengthen its power infrastructure, Haryana will set up two new ultra-supercritical thermal power units of 800 MW each in Panipat and Hisar. State Energy Minister Anil Vij announced the projects during a high-level meeting chaired by Union Energy Minister Manohar Lal in New Delhi late Monday evening.

Vij described energy as the lifeline of any nation and said a strong energy framework forms the foundation of a self-reliant India. He stressed that these new projects would substantially increase the state’s power availability and help meet growing demand.

The Union Minister assured full support from the central government under its energy policies and schemes. He also directed the Haryana Power Generation Corporation Limited (HPGCL) to formally seek coal linkages so that the ministry could consider approvals.

Vij raised challenges regarding the limited availability of quality biomass pellets in the market, which HPGCL requires for operations. The Union Minister instructed officials to look for appropriate solutions.

To maintain high-quality power transmission, Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Limited (HVPNL) requested central assistance to replace ACSR conductors with HTLS conductors using PSDF funds. The ministry asked for a formal proposal for review.

The meeting also discussed the progress of the Reforms-Based Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and called for faster project execution. Further, Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (UHBVNL) sought the inclusion of SCADA and system upgrades for Sonipat and Jhajjar, while DHBVNL was advised to speed up tenders.

On smart meters, both Totex and Capex models were reviewed, with officials asked to study Rajasthan’s Totex model for possible adoption in Haryana. The ministers emphasized consumer data security as the top priority.

The state also requested the increase of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) allocation from 500 MW to 1500 MW, citing rising peak power demand.

Highlighting renewable energy, Vij said, “Promoting renewable energy is not an option anymore but an essential commitment for future generations.” The meeting reviewed the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, with the central ministry recommending the adoption of the Utility Level Aggregator (ULA) model for rooftop solar.

Vij further stated that Haryana ranks second in the country in implementing Component ‘B’ of the PM-KUSUM scheme and assured that efforts would be intensified to sign PPAs before December 31, 2025.

Concluding the meeting, Vij said, “Every unit of energy not only powers machines but also drives the dreams of villages and fuels industries in cities.”

The meeting was attended by senior officials including Union Energy Secretary Pankaj Agarwal, Additional Chief Secretary (Haryana Energy) A.K. Singh, HPGCL MD Dr. Saket Kumar, HVPNL MD J. Ganesan, UHBVNL MD Ashok Meena, and DHBVNL MD Ashok Garg.