JSW Energy, India's leading private power producer, announced an expansion plan for its Salboni thermal power project in West Bengal on December 19, aiming to double its capacity to 3.2 GW, local media reported.

The move is projected to increase total investment to about Rs 40,000 crore ($4.43 billion), positioning it among the most significant private power sector investments in India.

The company is executing the initial 1.6 GW phase, comprising two ultra-supercritical units of 0.8 GW each, for which environmental clearance was secured.

This phase alone represents an investment of about Rs 16,000 crore, marking JSW Energy's largest greenfield power undertaking to date.

This phase alone represents an investment of about Rs 16,000 crore, marking JSW Energy’s largest greenfield power project so far.

Speaking at a business forum in Kolkata, the company's Joint Managing Director and CEO Sharad Mahendra indicated that the capacity expansion would be implemented in stages, contingent upon necessary regulatory approvals and fuel supply arrangements. The expansion aligns with the firm's long-term strategy to reinforce its thermal power assets while addressing rising electricity demand.

Power from the first phase will be supplied under a 25-year agreement with West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited, utilizing domestic coal allocated through a central government scheme.

Beyond energy, the JSW Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests spanning steel, cement, and infrastructure, is also extending its presence in eastern India through port services at Kolkata. This forms part of the group's integrated approach to developing energy, logistics, and infrastructure capabilities in the region.