NTPC in talks with J'khand for majority stake in two power projs

The country's largest power producer NTPC today evinced interest in picking up 76 per cent stake in Patratu and Tenughat thermal power projects in Jharkhand.

"We are in talks with Jharkhand government to pick up stakes in Patratu and Tenughat," NTPC CMD Arup Roy Choudhary told reporters here.

NTPC would pick up 76 per cent equity in these two projects which have a combine power generation capacity of 2,640 MW. They have coal linkages and are currently running at very low efficiency level.

The combined cost of the projects is about Rs 16,000 crore.

NTPC is discussing the matter with the state government regarding the revival of the 2x660 MW Patratu power plant and all relevant conditions of the takeover.

The company plans to refurbish the existing units of the power plant.

Tenughat power project (2x660 MW) is currently under the administration of Tenughat Vidyut Nigam Ltd, Jharkhand, and is functioning at a very plant load factor or efficiency level.

Coal for the project is sourced from east and west Bokaro coalfields and some captive coalfields.

NTPC currently generates over 32,000 MW and would augment the capacity to 75,000 MW by 2017.

Meanwhile, International Coal Ventures Ltd (ICVL), a special purpose vehicle formed for acquiring coal properties abroad of which NTPC is also a member has zeroed in on a mine -- Riverdale in Australia.

"ICVL may bid for the Riverdale mine...It would be mainly for SAIL," Choudhury said.

NTPC is also looking at acquiring coal properties overseas and has shortlisted countries like Indonesia, Mozambique and Australia for the same.