State-run NTPC said today it may buy a coal asset in South Africa to feed its expanding capacity and is in intial stages of discussion for the buyout deal. 

The company plans to buy at least one overseas coal mine in this fiscal in order to meet the shortfall in domestic supplies. Its projects are facing acute coal shartages. And as the firm plans to add more than 20,000 Mw of capacity by 2012, it is exploring ways to secure a stable source of energy.

BSE  |  NSE Price

Also Read   Related Stories News Now - RNRL seeks to join NTPC-RIL gas row - B-schools to lure more PSUs for placements this year - Anil group firm moves SC to become party to NTPC-RIL case - Seven of top-10 firms add Rs 81,000 cr in m-cap - Our financials are strong: SAIL chief - BHEL secures Rs 1,300cr order from NTPC

Also Read   Related Stories News Now - Pre-market: Gap down opening seen - Spain cries for help: Is Berlin listening? - Europe's deepening crisis drags Wall St lower - In Greek suicide note: financial despair and political rage - Rajat Gupta defence takes aim at trader's credibility More

The country's largest power generation utility is also scouting for coal blocks mines in Australia and Mozambique. It is looking at blocks that can give up to 20 million tonnes of dry fuel per year.

Earlier, the company appointed Australian firm Macquarie as consultant to do the due diligence for acquiring coal mines in Indonesia. NTPC would buy a minority stake in the Kalimantau coal mines in Indonesia to achieve fuel security.

New Ipad Application :Business Standard's all new IPad App Click here to download for free Other Stories      - Pre-market: Gap down opening seen - Spain cries for help: Is Berlin listening? - Europe's deepening crisis drags Wall St lower - In Greek suicide note: financial despair and political rage - Rajat Gupta defence takes aim at trader's credibility

Tags : ntpc | coal asset | power sector | coal block   Read Business news in  Advertisements -  India's no. 1 Property Site. Click here to know more -   -  "Discover The Power of One" -  Help a Child Achieve her. Click to know more -  The Best Seller is Also the No. 1 in Mileage. Click here -  Watch The Film Here. Click here to know more.. -  Learn How One City is Running on FOOD SCRAPS. -  1 billion in saving for Unilever without any tangles. -  A Brand New Server at a Price That Fits Your Budget. Click here -  One Partnership Endless Possibilities. Click here to know more -  Helping doctors detect diseases earlier, saving costs & extending lives. -  Which is the best plan for your daughter -  Check out the TRUE COLOURS of your Stocks, Now for FREE! -  One of the leading business schools in the world.Know More -  2 Lac Apartments, 1 Lac House / Plots. Click here