NTPC to commission 1,500 Mw power projects in U'khand

Expanding its footprint in hydro-power generation, state-owned NTPC would commission four power projects, that can generate over 1,500 Mw of electricity, by 2017 in the state.

Two projects — the 600-Mw Loharinag Pala and the 520-Mw Tapovan Vishnugad — are currently under construction. Land has been acquired for the 171-Mw Lata Tapovan project and the process is underway for the 261-Mw Rupsia Bhagar Khasia Bara, a company official said.

"Tapovan Vishnugad project will be commissioned by the end of the current Plan Period (2012) and the other three will come up in the next (12th) Plan," the official said.

Tapovan Vishnugad project, which was conceived as a merchant power plant, may have to sell power through the PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) route.

The electricity generated from this project would be sold to the northern states like Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. The home state will get 12 per cent free power from this 520 Mw project once it becomes operational.

The installed power generation capacity in Uttarakhand stands at over 2,800 Mw and around 20,000 Mw hydro potential has been identified in the state.

NTPC, the country's largest thermal power generation company, is making inroads to other areas of electricity generation, including renewable sources like hydro and wind.

The company plans to augment its generation capacity to 50,000 Mw by 2017 from its current 30,000 Mw.