The country’s largest power generator NTPC LtdBSE -2.09 % today said it is looking to add capacity in a phased manner over the next few years. This is in line with the Central Electricity Authority’s (CEA) projection of thermal capacity addition in the next five years.
“We have consistently said that we will have 2,000-2,500 Megawatt capacity every year,” NTPCBSE -2.09 % Chairman and Managing Director Gurdeep Singh today said.
The company currently has a capacity of nearly 24,000 MW under construction and according to a NTPC spokesperson, the company looks to bring that up over a period of five to six years.
Going ahead, NTPC will also look to replace 11,000 MW old capacity with new ones, as directed by the Ministry of Power.
“If this 11,000 MW capacity is replaced, then this will also add to the new capacity that NTPC will bring up,” the spokesperson further said.
Gurdeep Singh said going ahead, the demand for power in the country will increase which will need more generation.
“There will be demand from industry, commercial, electric cars etc…” he said.
On the company’s renewable energy plans, Singh said NTPC will add 500 MW solar capacity to its kitty by March 31 this year.
He said the company will set up a 260 MW solar power plant in Rajasthan and another 250 MW plant in Madhya Pradesh by the end of the current financial year.
In addition to this, NTPC also plans to set up a 50 MW wind power plant in Gujarat this year.
On the company’s spat with Coal IndiaBSE 0.14 % over poor quality of coal being supplied, Singh said while the quality was still a matter of concern, the situation was better than before.
“Coal quality is still an issue but now coal consumption is showing improvement at power plants. For the same quantity of coal, we are able to produce more power,” Singh said.
NTPC has been in argument with Coal India over the latter supplying lower grade coal to the power company. Following this, third party sampling was introduced to check the quality.
Source:ET
