NTPC approaches PowerMin for buying equipment for projects

State-run power producer NTPC is believed to have written to the Power Ministry seeking approval to float an estimated Rs 16,800-crore tender for procuring supercritical equipment for its various projects.

NTPC is planning to invite bids for sourcing equipment for 5,600 MW (800x7) units based on supercritical technology in the first quarter of the next financial year.

"The bulk tender from NTPC can be expected in the next 3-4 months, they (NTPC) have written to the Ministry of Power regarding the same," a source close to the development said.

The seven units would be set up at the company's three power plants at Kudgi (3x800 MW) in Karnataka, Lara (2x800 MW) in Chhattisgarh and Daalipali (2x800 MW) in Orissa.

NTPC, in October last year, had floated a similar bulk tender, inviting equipment for 11 supercritical units of 660 MW each. BHEL, L&T and Bharat Forge-Alstom joint venture have submitted the bids which are expected to open in July.

The 11 units include nine units of NTPC and two units of Damodar Valley Corporation. They are part of the five power projects in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Jharkhand.

NTPC had invited separate international competitive bids for boiler and steam turbine generator sets.

The tender was part of a government initiative to induct new energy-efficient technology in the country by encouraging companies to set up manufacturing facilities here.

Supercritical units are environment friendly and improve the efficiency of thermal power projects.