NTPC aims at 8,000-9,000 MW capacity takeover

Power major NTPC today said it is aiming at 8,000-9,000 MW capacity takeover in stressed power plants but the recent Supreme Court ruling on coal mines may have an impact on the move.
"We have received 34 applications aggregating 55,000 MW generation. But, on a realistic basis, we expect to acquire plants worth 8,000-9,000 MW capacity after due diligence," NTPC chairman and managing director Arup Roy Choudhury said here today on the sidelines of the annual conclave on environment and energy organised by The Bengal Chamber.
"However, we have to look into the impact from the ruling of the Supreme Court on coal mines," he said.

"If due to the recent Supreme Court order, sourcing coal or holding a coal block becomes an issue for such power plants, then we must strike off such assets from our takeover list," Choudhury said.
NTPC is looking at power plants which have achieved financial closure or coal linkage, but were facing financial issues to start generation and cost less than greenfield power plants.
"If cost is more than greenfield why should we go for it? There should be some financial advantage," Choudhury said.
NTPC had set up a sub-committee to look into the stressed power plant takeover.
Meanwhile, NTPC said projects worth 22,000 MW are under execution and another 8,000-10,000 MW under pipeline.