The Uttar Pradesh government intends to increase the state's output of energy by investing more than Rs 18,000 crore in a new coal-fired thermal power plant located in the Sonbhadra district.

Meja Utpadan Nigam (MUNPL), a joint venture between NTPC and UP Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam (UPRVUNL), would develop the proposed 1,600 MW thermal power facility named "Anpara E."

The project has been approved by the Nigam Board, with an estimated cost of Rs 18,624 crore. The proposal is now being sent to the state government for consideration.

This project is in line with the Government of India's initiatives to support the construction of new coal-fired thermal power plants in order to meet the growing demand for electricity.

Currently, the Nigam is focused on commissioning the first phase of two under-construction thermal power plants, Obra C (2×660 MW) and Jawaharpur (2×660 MW), in Sonbhadra and Etah districts.