National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Group’s Capacity Reaches 73,874 MW

National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC)  Group’s Capacity Reaches 73,874 MW

The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Group has achieved a significant milestone by increasing its installed capacity to a staggering 73,874 megawatts (MW). This accomplishment underscores NTPC’s relentless commitment to providing reliable and sustainable power to meet the growing energy demands of India.

The 50 MW wind energy plant that its arm began operating commercially on Saturday has brought the group’s installed capacity to 73,874 MW, according to state-owned power giant NTPC.

According to a corporate release, “On November 4, NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of NTPC, declared commercial operation of its first project of 50 MW Wind at Dayapar Project in Gujarat, increasing the group’s installed capacity to 73,874 MW.”

With this, the NTPC Group’s overall operational capacity for Renewable Energy (RE) is 3,364 MW, the statement stated. Additionally, under the new IEGC code and GNA Regime, this is the first capacity in India to be designated commercial.

On October 7, 2020, NTPC formed the NTPC REL as a totally owned subsidiary in order to expedite the addition of RE capacity by NTPC. Apart from Dayapar Wind, which is NTPC REL’s first project, the company said that it is working on 15 additional renewable energy projects totaling 6,210 MW at various stages of development.

Additionally, it said that Dayapar Wind Complex will increase NTPC’s current wind portfolio of 100 MW by 450 MW when it is fully operational.

Apart from investing in solar and wind power, NTPC REL is also pursuing green hydrogen technology. Large-scale infrastructure is being established in Ladakh utilising the principles of microgrids and green hydrogen storage.

NTPC Limited, a Maharatna company under the Government of India, was founded in 1975 with the primary objective of accelerating the development of thermal power plants across the country.

Over the years, it has evolved into one of India’s largest and most significant power generation companies. NTPC is renowned for its unwavering focus on operational excellence, environmental sustainability, and technological innovation.

Key Milestones on the Road to 73,874 MW

1. Diverse Energy Mix: One of NTPC’s strengths lies in its diverse energy mix, encompassing coal-based, gas-based, hydro, and renewable energy sources. This diverse portfolio ensures a robust and reliable power supply even in the face of fuel availability challenges or environmental concerns. The addition of renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind farms, has been a crucial step in achieving the milestone.
2. Expansions and Acquisitions: NTPC has consistently pursued expansion projects and acquisitions to increase its capacity. Through strategic acquisitions, such as the takeover of the Chhabra Thermal Power Plant in Rajasthan and the Nabinagar Power Generating Company in Bihar, NTPC has efficiently utilized existing infrastructure to augment its capacity.
3. Technological Advancements: NTPC has been at the forefront of adopting cutting-edge technologies to enhance plant efficiency and reduce emissions. The introduction of supercritical and ultra-supercritical power plants has significantly improved energy conversion efficiency, making its power generation more environmentally friendly.
4. Commitment to Sustainability: Environmental sustainability is a core focus for NTPC. The company has invested in state-of-the-art emission control technologies, like flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems, to reduce pollutant emissions from its coal-based power plants. NTPC has also actively ventured into the renewable energy sector, with a growing portfolio of solar and wind projects.

The increase in NTPC Group’s installed capacity to 73,874 MW holds several significant implications for India’s energy landscape:

1. Enhanced Energy Security: With its expanded capacity, NTPC contributes significantly to India’s energy security by ensuring a stable and reliable power supply. This is crucial for powering economic growth, industrialization, and improving the quality of life for millions of Indians.
2. Reduced Dependence on Fossil Fuels: NTPC’s investment in renewable energy sources reduces India’s dependence on fossil fuels and mitigates the environmental impact of power generation. This aligns with the nation’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to a greener energy mix.
3. Job Creation and Economic Growth: The expansion of NTPC’s capacity generates employment opportunities across the value chain, from construction and maintenance to operations and administration. This, in turn, contributes to local economic development in regions where NTPC operates.
4. Attracting Investment: NTPC’s continued growth and commitment to sustainability make it an attractive investment destination for both domestic and international investors. This capital influx can be leveraged for further expansion and modernization of the power generation infrastructure.

NTPC Group’s remarkable achievement of reaching an installed capacity of 73,874 MW is a testament to its dedication to delivering reliable and sustainable power to India.

The company’s diverse energy mix, technological innovations, and commitment to environmental sustainability have propelled it to this milestone. As NTPC continues to grow, it will play a pivotal role in shaping India’s energy landscape and contributing to the nation’s economic development and energy security.