‘Integration Of Increasing Renewable Energy Into Grid Will Have Bearing On Energy Rates, Plant Life’

Laying focus on growing renewable thrust, the chairman and managing director (CMD) of NTPC, Gurdeep Singh expressed his concerns regarding the rapid renewable capacity addition and the plummeting tariffs of solar power which will pose challenges in terms of lower PLFs (plant load factor) of thermal power plants.

“Integration of increasing renewable energy into the grid will entail flexible operation of thermal power plants, which will have bearing on energy rates as well as plant life. On the other hand, the company’s large portfolio with flexible generation capabilities will open up opportunities in providing ancillary services,” said Singh during the company’s 41st Annual General Meeting.

Looking beyond its conventional power generation business, NTPC plans to add 32 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032, in addition to the 15 GW of solar capacity through National Solar Mission.

Singh also mentioned the company’s plan to build up a strong presence in the electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

The government stake in the company came down to 62.99 per cent, from 63.11 per cent, after the company issued shares to its employees.

State owned power giant also received the shareholders nod to raise Rs 15,000 crore via non-convertible bonds on private placement basis for capex, working capital and other corporate purposes. The special resolution was passed by the requisite majority, according to the company’s BSE filing.

NTPC has a current installed capacity of 51,698 MW which includes 800 MW of hydro, 870 MW of solar and 40 MW of wind capacity with various under construction projects across 22 locations having a total capacity of almost 21,000 MW.

“This translates into an aggregate capital investment of more than Rs 1.3 lakh crore,” said Singh, adding that the company is also looking at potential opportunities for inorganic growth.