NTPC shortlists private power projects it could take over

New Delhi: Of the 34 proposals received bycountry's largest power utility NTPC for takeover, the company said it has found only about five offers worth considering.

"We have been offered 34 projects of 55,000 MW capacityby the private companies for takeover, only 4-5 projects areworth looking at," an NTPC official said.

The company will evaluate the quality of equipment ofthese projects, the level of clearances they have achieved, coal availability and sourcing the fuel in case of non-availability before buying these thermal power stations.

"We will see which projects are financially, aggressivelygood for us mainly in terms of financial returns, how much hasto be invested, their PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements) andeverything before deciding to take over," the official said.

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The private power companies are planning to sell theirassets to NTPC mainly to cut debt.

However, he refused to divulge the timeline forfinalising the proposals and name of the private companies which have made those offers.

NTPC sought Expression of Interest (EOI) from stateelectricity boards, power generation companies, independentpower producers etc for offering their coal-based thermalpower projects for possible acquisition.

The company advertised the same, asking companies to comeforward with their stranded projects, which it will evaluateone by one and then take a call.

Against this EOI, 34 proposals have been received, headded.

NTPC, which currently generates over 43,000 MW, aims toadd 14,000 MW capacity by 2017.

PTI