NTPC Waived From Equity Cap Guidelines For Bidding

New Delhi: In a move that could give greater operational flexibility for power major NTPC Ltd, the Centre has freed the State-owned utility from the Rs 1,000-crore investment cap in firming up alliances or setting up subsidiaries to bid for power projects. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on March 27 gave its approval to waive the ceiling for equity investment by NTPC to set up financial joint ventures and wholly-owned subsidiaries in India or abroad for participating in bidding called by state utilities and distribution licensees. The clearance would facilitate participation of NTPC in bidding for the development of power projects initiated by Government utilities and result in greater competition and establishment of more public sector power projects, the spokesperson said after the CCEA meeting

NTPC To Set Up Rs 4,375 Cr Power Plant In Kokrajhar

Guwahati: National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has decided to infuse Rs 4,375.35 crore in setting up a 750 mw coal-based thermal power project at Salakati in Kokrajhar district in Assam. The project will be set up at the site of the existing non-operational Bongaigaon Thermal Power Station.

A transfer agreement has been executed between NTPC, the Assam government and Assam Power Generation Corporation (APGCL) for transfer of the existing infrastructure of 240 mw Bongaigaon Thermal Power Station of APGCL to NTPC. All key inputs and clearances, including environmental nod, have been obtained for the project. Site specific studies have been completed.

NTPC To Infuse $1.8bn In New Power Plant

MUMBAI: State-run power producer NTPC Ltd said on Feb 29, it will pump in $1.84 billion in establishing a 1,320 megawatt power plant in Bihar. The company said on Feb 28, it planned to establish a power plant with a similar capacity in a joint venture with a utility owned by the neighbouring state of Uttar Pradesh.

NTPC To Infuse $40bn Over Next 5yrs

New Delhi: NTPC Ltd will be infusing up to $40 billion over the next five years to transform itself into an integrated regional energy player, from being just a national power utility. The company is aiming a foray into the LNG value chain, besides plans to strengthen its presence in newly diversified areas, including hydropower, coal mining, power trading, oil and gas exploration and consultancy services. The power major also mulls to spread out operations across Asia and Africa, with upcoming projects in South Asia, Africa and possibly West Asia, besides plans to bag coal assets in countries, including Indonesia, Mozambique and Australia.

The country''s largest power utility is targeting a 50,000 MW-plus capacity by 2012. The company''s current operating capacity is 28,644 MW, with 18 coal-fired plants totalling 23,209 MW and eight gas-based stations adding up to 5,435 MW. Plans comprise developing hydropower capacity of 9,000 MW by 2017, of which 2,471 MW is currently under implementation. The company is also aiming nuclear power capacity of 2,000 MW by 17 and non-conventional power of 1,000 MW. NTPC has foraying into an alliance with Singareni Collieries for coal mining, another with BHEL for equipment manufacturing, and an alliance with Transformers & Electricals Kerala for repairs and maintenance. NTPC is also establishing close to 2,120 MW as merchant power plants, of which, 1,120 MW are hydro-based units.

NTPC Sets Up Joint Venture With Bharat Forge

New Delhi: NTPC Ltd on Feb 7 forayed into a pact with Bharat Forge Ltd to set up a joint venture unit for manufacturing castings and forgings for power plants at an investment of Rs 3,000 crore. According to the source, the proposed venture will commence operations within around 15 months of its inception. NTPC is likely to hold a 49 per cent stake in the new firm.

NTPC Likely To Invest More On Abroad Coal Assets

New Delhi: NTPC Ltd is planning to infuse over $1 billion on purchasing coal assets abroad over the next few years as part of its efforts to secure long-term fuel linkages. The generation major, which is in fairly advanced stages of looking for opportunities in countries such as Indonesia and Australia, Nigeria, Mozambique and South Africa, has already earmarked around $125 million to be pumped into Coal Ventures International Ltd (CVIL) a alliance firm co-promoted by state-owned Steel Authority of India Ltd, Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd, Coal India Ltd and National Mineral Development Corporation. They are on the lookout and expect to strike a coal mine deal overseas during the current year as part of a long term measure to ensure fuel security for our coal-fired stations.