NHDC to enter thermal power sector

Just as the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Ltd is going into the hydel power sector, hydel power major Narmada Hydroelectric Development Corporation (a joint venture of the Madhya Pradesh government and the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation) is planning to enter the thermal power sector.

Apart from the 250 Mw Pench thermal power project, which Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan is keen on handing over to the firm, the NHDC is eyeing bigger power projects.

The company, which has posted a net profit of Rs 106 crore (2005-06) and a turnover of Rs 336 core (clocked through the sale of hydro power to the state), is looking for a pithead thermal power plant in Shadol or Singrauli where coal reserves are in abundance.

"We want to diversify into two sectors; thermal and power trading. We have discussed the issue with the chief minister and hope the talks take shape. He has asked us to take up a 250 Mw power project in the Pench area (Chhindwara district coal mines)," said Chairman and Managing Director NHPC SK Garg.

Chief Executive Officer NHDC SK Dodeja said, "We are more interested in at least 1000 Mw power project. We will soon appoint consultant for the purpose and we prefer an area where we can go for a pithead thermal power plant."

Union ministry of power is interested in diversifying the activities of NHPC and talks are on with the state government. But according to Dodeja it will take two-three months to come on some conclusion about any thermal power project in the state.

The company has a good track record. With successful completion of 1000 Mw Indira Sagar project in Madhya Pradesh, the NHDC has attracted attention of other states. The NHDC is also executing 520 Mw Omkareshwar power project (70 Km downstream Indira Sagar project).

"The project is expected to be completed before July 2007," said Dodeja. The company is also in process of finalising detailed project reports of three small hydel power project of combined capacity of 160 Mw on Narmada river at Handia, Boras and Hoshangabad.