NTPC to become Integrated Regional Energy Player

New Delhi: NTPC Ltd would be investing 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 eyeing an entry into the LNG value chain, besides plans to beef up its presence in newly diversified areas, including hydropower, coal mining, power trading, oil and gas exploration and consultancy services, a senior official said.

The power major also plans 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 eyeing 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 include developing hydro power capacity of 9,000 MW by 2017, of which 2,471 MW is currently under implementation, officials said. The company is also eyeing nuclear power capacity of 2,000 MW by 2017 and non-conventional power of 1,000 MW.

NTPC’s globalisation efforts include setting up of power plants abroad, including firm proposals for a coal-fired station in Sri Lanka and a gas-swap project in Nigeria. The company is eyeing gas-barter deals in West Asia, where it is ramping up its presence, besides focusing on international consultancy assignments, officials said.

NTPC has entered into a joint venture with Singareni Collieries for coal mining, another with BHEL for equipment manufacturing, and an alliance with Transformers & Electricals Kerala for repairs and maintenance. Already a player in power trading, the company is looking at power distribution for a commercial venture, officials said.

NTPC is also setting up close to 2,120 MW as merchant power plants, of which, 1,120 MW are hydro-based units.