21 September, 2011

NTPC Ltd said it is on course to achieve a target of 75,000 MW in slightly over five years, up from the current installed capacity of 34,854 MW. The state-owned power major is confident of reaching its long-term target of 1,28,000 MW aggregate capacity by the year 2032, NTPC’s Chairman and Managing Director, Mr Arup Roy Choudhury, said at the firm’s 35th annual general meeting.

During 2010-11, NTPC had signed power purchase agreements (PPAs) for an aggregate capacity of 49,000 MW. The company is slated to add 4,980 MW, including Sipat 660 MW unit, during 2011-12, he said. NTPC has 14,088 MW under construction and projects worth 18,471 MW are in the bidding process. Besides, it has approved feasibility reports for 14,666 MW. The company is also preparing feasibility reports for an additional basket of 16,272 MW.

Mr Roy Choudhury said that based on the demand growth and project plans, the corporate plan target of 1,28,000 MW capacity by 2032 appears well within reach. NTPC has plans of fresh capacity addition at the existing stations, besides the nuclear and renewable capacity planned. It is also working on overseas projects.

NTPC has signed a joint venture agreement with Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) of Sri Lanka with 50:50 equity participation for setting up the first overseas power project — scheduled to be commissioned by 2016. NTPC is also exploring the possibility of setting up a 1,320 MW coal based power project in Bangladesh through a 50:50 joint venture with Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB). The company is also preparing the detailed project report for the 540 MW Amochu Hydro Electric Power Project in Bhutan which is likely to be submitted in the near future.