NLC exploring possibilities of acquiring coal blocks

State-owned Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) is exploring the possibility of acquiring coal blocks both in India and abroad, a top company official has said.

"..To meet our own requirement and the requirement of subsidiary company, NLC is exploring possibility of acquiring coal assets in India and abroad," NLC Chairman and Managing Director B Surender Mohan told PTI.

Noting that the Central Electricity Authority has advised thermal power generating companies to design the power generating equipment to utilise blended coal consisting 30% imported and 70% domestic coal, Mohan said the company was in the process of acquiring coal blocks abroad.

He said that by 2016-17 there may be an estimated shortfall of 230 MT of coal which has to be met through imports.

On the company's proposal to foray into the renewable energy sector, he said the company had floated tenders for taking up the two projects based on wind and solar energy.

"Neyveli Lignite Corporation has planned to set up 50 MW wind power plant and a 10 MW solar photo-voltaic power plant as an initiative into green energy".

Tenders for both projects have been issued..", he said.

Detailing about the company's forthcoming projects, Mohan said the company expects to increase its total lignite mining capacity to 38.85 metric tonne per annum from the existing 30.60 MTPA by the end of 13th Five Year Plan.

On the ongoing projects, he said currently, NLC was implementing a 500MW (2x250MW) lignite based thermal power station -II expansion project at Neyveli besides a coal based thermal power project with a capacity 1000MW (2x500MW) at Tuticorin in association with Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO).

NLC is pursuing the projects for which power purchase agreements have been entered into with the respective beneficiaries, he said.

On projects that are in the pipeline, he said a 4000MW, coal based thermal power project at Sirkazhi in Tamil Nadu, a lignite based thermal power station at Bithnok (250MW) in Rajasthan were planned.

NLC also plans to undertake a coal-based power plant at Ghatampur, Uttar Pradesh with a capacity of 1980MW to be implemented jointly with Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidhyut Uthpadhan Nigam Ltd, he said.

Asked on the challenges faced by the company, he said, "the company faces a huge outstanding dues from state organisations which was adversely impacting performance of the existing mines and power plants besides impeding the progress of the projects that are under construction".

"Other challenges are the acquisition of land and obtaining environmental clearances in time for the projects", he said.