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| NTPC eyes 1000 Mw renewable power project |
| BS Reporter / Mumbai/ Ahmedabad Mar 22, 2010, 00:51 IST |
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National Thermal Power Corporation Ltd (NTPC) plans to undertake renewable energy power projects having capacity of more than 1000 Mw.
Taking a first step forward in this direction, the public sector giant has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the state government-run Gujarat Power Corporation Ltd (GPCL) for putting up solar and wind power plants to the tune of 500 Mw in Gujarat.
"NTPC aims to have 1000 Mw renewable power generation capacity. The company intends to set up solar, wind and geothermal power projects," said RS Sharma, CMD, NTPC after MoU signing ceremony in Gandhinagar. This capacity is likely to be added by 2014.
Apart from Gujarat, NTPC is currently exploring possibilities in Karnataka and Rajasthan for these types of projects. "We may even increase our renewable power project capacity to more than 1000 Mw," he added.
As per the MoU inked with the Gujarat government, NTPC will execute 100 Mw solar and 400 Mw wind power projects in the state. "Initially, the company will establish 50 Mw solar power project at Morwada in Banaskantha district with an investment of Rs 500 crore. For entire 500 Mw power plants, NTPC will pump in Rs 4000 crore," said Bharatsingh Solanki, minister of state for power, Government of India.
The first 50 Mw solar power plant is slated to be commissioned within 30 months. In addition to Sabarkantha, NTPC is also scouting suitable land in Banaskantha, Patan and Kutch districts of the state. "GPCL will help NTPC acquire land for the projects in Gujarat, get clearance from the government and enter into power purchase agreement. Currently, we are assisting NTPC in site selection for its wind power project," said Saurabh Patel, minister of state for energy and petrochemicals, Gujarat government.
NTPC already has power projects at Kawas and Gandhar in Gujarat. Now the company is keen to set up a greenfied coal-based power project of 1000 Mw at Khambhat in the state and it is talks with the state government.
"We accept NTPC's proposal but it would be beneficial to the state if the company decides to use domestic coal instead of imported coal," Saurabh Patel.
It may be mentioned here that NTPC is also eying acquisition of coal mines in overseas countries such as Australia and Indonesia. "The established capacity of NTPC stands at 31,134 Mw and we plan to enhance it to 75,000 Mw by 2017," added RK Sikri, general manager, NTPC.
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