Bharat Forge-NTPC JV to set up facility for power plant equipment fabrication

BF-NTPC Energy Systems Limited (BFNESL), a joint venture between auto fprgings major Bharat Forge Ltd and India's largest power generation company NTPC Ltd, yesterday made a landmark beginning with the laying of the foundation stone of the joint venture manufacturing facility at Solapur in Maharashtra.

The JV set up by the two organisations aims at primarily serving the power sector (thermal, hydro and nuclear, etc.) with its technology-intensive product range having wide applications across other sectors like oil and gas, petrochemicals, steel and mining.

Currently, India faces considerable supply constraints and has significant dependence on overseas sources for such advanced technology products. These include products like advanced class pumps, high pressure piping, castings and forgings and other critical equipment involving hi-end engineering and state-of-the-art manufacturing processes.

Sushilkumar Shinde, union minister for power laid the foundation stone at a function presided over by Bharatsinh Solanki, union minister of state for power. H S Brahma, secretary, ministry of power also graced the occasion besides other senior functionaries of the Ministry of Power, state government, NTPC and Bharat Forge.

While laying the foundation stone, Shinde said, ''The growing demand for power in the country can only be met by ramping up indigenous manufacturing capacities quickly and by infusing superior technology in generation, transmission and distribution. It is heartening to see two world-class Indian companies joining hands to address challenges in India's march towards Power for All''.

H S Brahma, called the event a major milestone in the development of India's power equipment manufacturing capability.