NTPC eyes Maldives for solar power generation

The state-owned National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) is looking at the feasibility of establishing solar power projects in the Maldives. If the move comes through, it would enhance the thermal power generator's green footprint.

NTPC is conducting feasibility study in the islands (governed by India) to explore the potential of the island nation for setting up solar power projects. The final report is expected in the next three to four months, according to NTPC chairman and managing director Arup Roy Choudhury.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function in New Delhi on Thursday, Choudhury declined to give specifics on the investment that India's biggest power generator would make in Maldives. "Let the (feasibility) report come, then we will see," he said.

Meanwhile, NTPC is targetting to add 105 MW of electricity to the national grid by setting up four or five solar power projects in the country in the next two or three years. "We are going to set up 105 the new solar power plants at our existing facilities at Anta, Dadri, Ramagundam, Sipat and Korba," he said.

NTPC generates over 31,000 MW of power from all sources of energy. The company plans to ramp up this capacity to 75,000 mw by 2017.

NTPC has also formulated a plan for capacity addition of about 1,000 MW through renewable resources by 2017. Simultaneously, it will also have a capacity addition of 301 MW through Solar PV (photo-voltaic) and thermal by March 2014, Chudhury said.