Wednesday, September 09, 2014: NTPC, the largest power company in the country, may be forced to tap international solar plant suppliers as there is a lack in domestic capacity. NTPC has been emphasising on developing a solar power portfolio and a tender has also been invited for 1,000MW of solar power project and the tender will be open to domestic suppliers only.
During a recent visit to the city, NTPC Chairman Arup Roy Choudhury, said, “We have already invited tender for 1000 MW. But, after discussions we have indications that the available capacity to supply by domestic solar plant could be only around 300MW a year.” He added, NTPC has an aggressive target to set up 3,000 MW of solar power projects over the next 3-3.5 years. Roy Choudhury said, “If domestic supply is unable to meet our demand then we may consider overseas suppliers.”
Choudhury said that NTPC has been involved in talks with states including Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan. These states have been keen on developing solar energy parks. Depending upon the benefits from the 3,000MW project, the company will take its next commercial call which will aim to extend the expansion of solar power portfolio. Meanwhile, the company has been executing thermal power projects worth 22,000MW and another 8,000-10,000MW capacity were in the pipeline.
