Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma laid the foundation stone for a 3,200 MW ultra-supercritical thermal power plant at Chapar in Dhubri district, lower Assam, on 20 September 2026. The project is being developed by Adani Power Limited with an estimated investment of ₹48,000 crore and is planned as the largest power plant in the North-East region.
Project Profile
The thermal power plant will have four generating units of 800 MW each. Ultra-supercritical technology is a high-efficiency coal-based power generation technology used in large thermal stations, and it operates at higher steam pressure and temperature than subcritical and supercritical plants.
The project is scheduled for phased commissioning from December 2030. The Assam Power Distribution Company Limited awarded the letter of award for the Chapar project to Adani Power Limited in November 2025.
Investment and Employment
The ₹48,000-crore plant is part of a larger ₹63,000-crore power investment by the Adani Group in Assam. This broader plan also includes two pumped storage plants with a combined capacity of 2,700 MW under Adani Green Energy Limited.
The project is projected to generate up to 20,000 jobs during the construction phase and around 5,000 jobs after commissioning. The wider Adani Group initiatives in Assam are projected to create about 40,000 direct and indirect job opportunities.
Thermal Power and Pumped Storage Basics
Thermal power plants generate electricity by using heat to produce steam, which drives turbines connected to generators. Pumped storage plants store energy by moving water between two reservoirs at different heights and are used for grid balancing and peak-load management.
Important Facts for Exams
- Ultra-supercritical power plants are a category of advanced thermal plants with higher efficiency than subcritical and supercritical units.
- A 3,200 MW plant with four 800 MW units is a common large-scale configuration in modern thermal power projects.
- Pumped storage projects are classified as energy storage systems and are used to support electricity grids during peak demand.
- Assam is one of the key states in the North-East region for new power infrastructure projects.
Regional Power Context
The North-East region includes eight states, and large power projects in the region are often linked with industrial supply, grid stability, and long-term electricity demand. Thermal power, hydroelectricity, and pumped storage are major categories in India’s power sector.
