Tata Power: Carrying legacy into the future

In this fourth part of a 5-part series on how green are India's energy firms, we look at Tata Power and its focus on new generation capacity from renewable sources

How green are India’s energy firms? In the run-up to the climate change talks in Paris from November 30, a five-part series seeks to answer the question by analysing the initiatives of some of the country’s leading firms

Tata Power's use of renewable sources of energy dates back to 1915, when it had set up a 12-Mw hydropower project in Khopoli, Maharashtra. The company was also the first to set up a solar power plant, of 110 Kw in 1996.

Almost 16 per cent of its generation capacity comes from renewable sources, including 576 Mw of hydropower. The company says it now aims at a 20-25 per cent contribution from clean power sources at all times, via new projects and by acquiring capacity in both India and abroad.

Tata Power Solar, a wholly- owned subsidiary, claims to be the largest company in the solar manufacturing segment. It was earlier known as Tata BP Solar, a joint venture between Tata Power and BP Solar, begun in 1989 - they parted ways in 2012. Till now, it has exported close to 700 Mw of solar energy modules and has commissioned close to 185 Mw of engineering, procurement and construction projects in the segment. And, constructed 65 Mw of solar rooftop projects.

 

Tata Power's own installed capacity is 8,669-Mw, with 1,383 Mw from 'clean' sources - 576 Mw of hydropower, 56-Mw from solar, 511-Mw from wind energy and 240-Mw from waste gas generation. "We have self-committed to develop 18,000-Mw by 2022, wherein 20-25 per cent will come from clean and green sources. Towards this, (we have) set out Rs 2,500 crore annually for the next three years," said Anil Sardana, managing director.

The company says it is in talks with an Australian one to partner and build India's first low-cost, high-efficiency 'floating solar plant'. The plant would be built over water bodies such as lakes, streams, etc, saving on land usage.

Tata Power and Norway-based SN Power have also signed a deal to develop hydropower projects in India and Nepal. The consortium would be constructing a 240 Mw Dugar hydroelectric project in the Chenab valley, Himachal Pradesh. In another venture with the government of Bhutan, Tata Power will build the 126-Mw Dagachhu hydro project, partnering Druk Green Power Corporation.

"Tata Power has prioritised four key regions for international play - Africa, South East Asia, the Middle East & Saarc (South Asia). It has deployed resources in these regions to understand the market dynamics and scout for opportunities," stated the company.

"The strategy is in sync with global utilities such as Engie (earlier known as GDF Suez), Sembcorp, EDF and SN Power, and their renewable energy plans to add 200-300 Mw of investment each in Indian," said Rupesh Agarwal, partner, BDO India.

In India, Tata Power is looking to expand a clean energy presence in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Andhra and Madhya Pradesh. The company will specifically deploy wind power projects in these states.

"As a part of our centenary year celebrations, we intend to generate a capacity for 450 Mw of hydel power from this year and commission 120-Mw this year," said the company.

The company has 57 Mw of solar generation capacity. It commissioned a solar power project of 29-Mw in Palaswadi, Maharashtra, in May 2014 and a 25-Mw one at Mithapur, Gujarat, in January 2012. And, a 3-Mw solar photovoltaic unit at Mulshi, Maharashtra.

TAKING A SHINE TO RENEWABLE ENERGY

• First hydro unit of 12-Mw in 1915 in Maharashtra
   
• 240-Mw Dugar hydroelectric project, Himachal Pradesh
   
• 126-Mw Dagachhu hydro project, Bhutan
   
• 110-Kw solar project, Lonavla (oldest solar project established in 1996)
   
• 29-Mw solar power plant, Palaswadi, Maharashtra
   
• 3-Mw solar power plant, Mulshi, Maharashtra
   
• 511-MW of wind power plants across five states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Rajasthan
   
• Tata Power International Pte Ltd, has signed an agreement with Clean Energy and IFC InfraVentures for developing hydro projects of an aggregate capacity of 400-Mw in Georgia
   
• Tata Power acquired 50 per cent shares Itezhi Tezhi Power Corporation to implement 120-Mw hydropower plant in Zambia