Tata Power, SN Power scout for hydro projects in India, Nepal

Tata Power, along with its Norwegian partner SN Power, is scouting for hydroelectric projects in India and Nepal.

The company in partnership with SN Power already has two hydro projects in its kitty, including the 880 MW project coming at Tamakoshi in Nepal.

When asked whether the two entities are looking for other opportunities, Tata Power Executive Director (Finance) S Ramakrishnan said, "Yes, the joint venture is scouting for other opportunities both in India and Nepal... The Tamakoshi hydro power project in Nepal is at an early stage of development and is awaiting government approvals."

According to him, the commissioning date would be decided after receiving necessary government approvals.

Earlier this year, they had bagged the 240 MW Dugar hydroelectric project in Chenab Valley in Himachal Pradesh.

Tata Power has an installed capacity of 3,648 MW, out of which 500 MW is from hydro projects.

It is also in a joint venture with the Bhutan government. The company is implementing a 114 MW from Dagachhu hydro project with Druk Green Power Company there.

Ramakrishnan said the company has "aggressive plans of generating 25,000 MW by 2017 and intends to have a 20-25 per cent contribution in energy generated at all times from clean power sources, including a mix of hydro, solar, wind, geothermal and waste gas generation".

However, he did not divulge specific investment figures for renewables.

Of Tata Power's total installed capacity, wind and solar account for 348 MW and 3 MW, respectively, at present.

Ramakrishnan said the company expects to add 30 MW of solar power every year.

Tata Power is implementing a 25 MW solar project in Mithapur, Gujarat, which is expected to commence commercial operations this month.

The power utility has partnered with Australia-based Sunengy to build India's first floating solar plant.

"The floating solar plant is a technology development and will be a 13 KW pilot installation. The bench scale testing is in progress to achieve the desired results. It is proposed to have the plant installed by March 2012," he said.

In the wind segment, Tata Power expects to add 100-150 MW over the next three years, he noted.

Ramakrishnan further said Tata Power is also looking for collaboration in clean coal technologies.