NTPC posts record annual power generation at 264 bn units

State-run power generator NTPC registered its highest ever annual cumulative gross generation of 263.95 billion units (BU) till date this fiscal, surpassing the 262.42 BU achieved during 2015-16, an official said on Friday.

"NTPC Group achieved highest ever cumulative gross generation of 263.95 BU till yesterday (Thursday) during the current year, surpassing previous annual best of 263.42 BU recorded in financial year 2016-17," the Power Ministry said in an official statement here.

This represents an annual growth in generation of 4.71 per cent over last year, the statement said.

NTPC pithead coal stations, having capacity of 25,840 MW, recorded a day plant load factor (PLF), or utilisation of capacity, of 95.71 per cent as on Thursday, and cumulative monthly PLF of 91.4 per cent, it added.

As on March 16, 2017, 29 NTPC coal plants have generated a PLF of more than 100 per cent, the Ministry said.

Moreover, NTPC plants continued their "excellent" performance this month with the country's largest Vindhyachal power station achieving highest ever day generation of 114.254 MU at 100 per cent PLF on March 8, it added.

Its Mouda station also recorded highest day generation of 31.2 MU on March 9, while the company's solar generation touched the maximum of 2.353 MU on March 12.

"NTPC has total installed capacity of 48,188 MW from 19 coal-based, 7 gas-based, 10 solar PV, one hydro and 9 subsidiaries/joint venture power stations," the statement said.

It is also the third largest thermal power generation company globally, it added.

NTPC's first coal mine Pakri-Barwadih at Hazaribagh became operational in December last year and it first wind power project - NTPC-Rojmal project - is being set up in Gujarat.

NTPC has recently inaugurated its indigenously developed 100 kWp floating solar PV plant in Kerala, the statement said.

--IANS

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