Tue Aug 05 06:48:08 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

The Standing Linkage Committee under the Union Ministry of Coal has recommended allocating coal linkage for the stalled 660-MW Ennore Thermal Power Station (ETPS) expansion project in Chennai. This recommendation comes after Tamil Nadu Power Generation Corporation Ltd (TNPGCL) requested the allocation under the revised Shakti Policy 2025, aiming to develop the project through tariff-based competitive bidding. The project, a brownfield expansion, is designed to be a 100% domestic coal-based power plant. The decision is supported by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), NITI Aayog, the Ministry of Railways, and NTPC. The project has faced setbacks in the past with terminated EPC contracts, but TNPGCL is now pursuing it under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, with SBI CAPS providing transaction advisory services. Coal India Ltd. will identify the coal source for Tamil Nadu.

**News Article:**

**Chennai’s Ennore Thermal Power Plant Expansion Gets Green Light with Coal Linkage Approval**

**CHENNAI, August 5, 2025** – The long-stalled expansion of the Ennore Thermal Power Station (ETPS) in Chennai has received a significant boost with the recommendation of coal linkage by the Standing Linkage Committee for Power Sector, under the Union Ministry of Coal. The 660-MW project, aimed at addressing Tamil Nadu’s growing power needs, will be developed under the revised Shakti Policy 2025.

Tamil Nadu Power Generation Corporation Ltd (TNPGCL) had requested the coal linkage to revive the stranded project. The ETPS expansion is considered a brownfield project which is 100% coal based..

The decision has received backing from multiple key entities, including the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), which noted the project’s importance in meeting Tamil Nadu’s Resource Adequacy Plan. NITI Aayog, the Ministry of Railways, and NTPC have also voiced their support.

“This recommendation marks a critical step forward in addressing Tamil Nadu’s future energy demands,” said a source at the Union Ministry of Power. “The expansion of ETPS will significantly contribute to the state’s power generation capacity.”

The project has faced considerable delays in the past. Previous EPC contractors were terminated. TNPGCL is now adopting a public-private partnership (PPP) model to expedite the project. SBI CAPS has been engaged as a transaction advisor, with a feasibility report currently under review.

Coal India Ltd. will now identify and provide information on a suitable coal source to Tamil Nadu. The Standing Linkage Committee has stipulated that TNPGCL must identify a successful bidder within one year of the coal linkage earmarking, or the allocation will lapse.

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