NTPC looks ahead to PM's US visit for its geo-thermal project

State-owned power major hopes Modi's Washington visit will pave way for technology tie ups with US firms

State-owned power major NTPC is looking at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposed visit to the United States to harness its plan for the country's first eco-thermal project.

"We may need to send a team to the US to identify agencies for collaboration. But this will be taken at the government level after the Prime Minister's visit to the US. At present the geo-thermal project is at an exploratory stage and the DPR 9 detailed project report is being prepared," Roy Choudhury said on the sidelines The Bengal Chamber of Commerce organised environment and energy conclave here today.

NTPC had earlier signed a MoU with the Chhattisgarh Renewable Energy Development Agency to set up the project at Tattapani. This was followed by an MoU with the Geological Survey of India for preparation of a detailed project report.

"We hope there will be discussion on this during PM's visit to US. This may pave the way for any possible tie-up for technolgical assistance with any US firm in this field," he added.

On the renewable energy front, NTPC is also giving a thrust to its solar portfolio.

"We have already invited tender for 1,000 MW. We are talking to states like Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan, who are keen on developing solar energy parks," Roy Choudhury said. NTPC plans to set up 3,000 MW of solar power project over the next three to four years.