NTPC may be forced to tap international solar power suppliers

The company has an aggressive target and aims to set up 3,000 MW of solar power projects over the next 3-3.5 years

Country’s largest power company NTPC may be forced to tap international solar plant suppliers due to shortage in domestic capacity.

NTPC was laying emphasis on developing a solar power portfolio and had invited tender for 1,000 Mw of solar power project open to only domestic suppliers.

“We have already invited tender for 1,000 Mw. But, after discussions we have indications that the available capacity to supply by domestic solar plant could be only around 300 Mw a year,” NTPC chairman Arup Roy Choudhury told PTI during a recent visit to city.

NTPC has an aggressive target and aims to set up 3,000 Mw of solar power projects over the next 3-3.5 years, he said. “If domestic supply is unable to meet our demand then we may consider overseas suppliers,” Roy Choudhury said.

NTPC was in talks with states like Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan, who are keen on developing solar energy parks, Choudhury said.

He said based on benefits from the 3,000 Mw then the company and will take a commercial call to extend expansion of solar power portfolio.

Meanwhile, the company was executing thermal power projects worth 22,000 Mw and another 8,000-10,000 Mw capacity was in pipeline.