NALCO Plans Rs 30,000 Cr Expansion by 2030

Bhubaneswar: Aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, public sector aluminium major NALCO is planning a major capacity expansion with a focus on infrastructure growth, sustainability, and green energy adoption, said Chairman and Managing Director Brijendra Pratap Singh on Monday.

Speaking to IANS, Singh said NALCO is proposing an investment of around Rs 30,000 crore as part of its 2030 roadmap. The expansion plan includes setting up a new 0.5 million tonne aluminium smelter and a 1,080 MW thermal power plant. He added that the company is also exploring the use of green power to support its sustainability goals and net-zero ambitions.

“The preparation of the detailed project report (DPR) has already begun. The appointment of a consultant for DPR preparation is expected to be completed this month, and we are targeting Board approval by July or August this year,” Singh said.

To meet rising domestic demand, NALCO intends to undertake a brownfield expansion at its Angul smelter in Odisha, increasing aluminium smelting capacity by 0.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). The proposed project will deploy best-in-class, environmentally sustainable technologies in line with global benchmarks and is expected to be completed by 2030.

Outlining NALCO’s three-year capacity expansion vision, Singh said the company’s immediate priority is the commissioning of the fifth stream expansion of its alumina refinery, along with the commencement of operations at the Pottangi bauxite mines. Both are scheduled to begin operations in June this year.

In addition, NALCO is also planning to strengthen its downstream presence by setting up a wire rod mill with a capacity of 60,000 tonnes, he said.

Highlighting the company’s competitive advantage, Singh noted that NALCO has its own captive bauxite and coal mines, unlike some private sector competitors such as Vedanta and Hindalco. This strong backward integration significantly reduces raw material costs and provides the company with a distinct edge in the aluminium sector, he added.