JSW Energy Launches ₹16,000 Cr Salboni Power Plant and Industrial Park
JSW Energy has officially commenced construction of a 1,600 MW ultra-supercritical thermal power plant in Salboni, Paschim Medinipur district, West Bengal. This ₹16,000 crore project, comprising two units of 800 MW each, represents the company’s largest greenfield initiative to date and the most significant private-sector thermal power project in the state.
The foundation stone was laid by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who hailed the development as a “landmark project” that will benefit 23 districts and generate employment for approximately 15,000 people. JSW Group Chairman Sajjan Jindal described Salboni as a “dream” location for the conglomerate, emphasizing the project’s role in meeting the state’s growing energy demands.
Strategic Importance and Economic Impact
The Salboni power plant is backed by a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL) and will utilize domestic coal allocated under the SHAKTI B (IV) policy. The project is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, focusing on skill development and local sourcing to uplift the Salboni region and its surroundings.
In addition to the power plant, JSW Energy is developing a 2,000-acre industrial park adjacent to the facility. This park aims to attract high-quality industries, particularly those seeking alternatives to China amid shifting global trade dynamics. The industrial park is designed with plug-and-play infrastructure, aligning with modern urban planning principles.
Future Prospects and Sustainability Initiatives
JSW Energy plans to achieve 14 GW of installed capacity by June 2025 and has secured projects totaling over 30 GW. The company is also investing in energy storage solutions, with projects totaling 16.3 GWh in the pipeline, including a 12 GWh pumped hydro storage project, one of the largest in India. JSW Energy aims to scale up to 40 GWh of storage capacity by 2030, reflecting its commitment to sustainable and reliable energy solutions.
The Salboni project, initially part of a 10 million tonne integrated steel and power complex envisioned in 2008, faced delays due to coal block deallocations. However, the successful establishment of a cement plant in 2018 and the current developments signal a renewed focus on industrial growth in the region.
