NTPC’s 50-MW solar plant at Raigarh is now operational

NTPC CMD AR Choudhary

GIVING a boost to its ambition to become a 128,000-MW company in terms of installed capacity by the year 2032, its 50 MW solar plant at Raigarh in Chhattisgarh has become fully operational. Out of its total energy, 28 percent is expected to come from non- fossil fuel sources...

such as renewable, hydro and nuclear. According to NTPC chairman and managing director (CMD) Arup Roy Choudhary, the Maharatna PSU has drawn out a long term plan to achieve its target.

"With commencement of commercial operations of 20 MW solar unit today, the capacity of Rajgarh solar photo-voltaic (PV) plant has become 50 MW," NTPC said in a statement.

With this, the state-owned company's total capacity of non-conventional energy projects has reached 95 MW.

The largest power producer in the country, with an installed capacity of 43,039 MW, NTPC has 16 coal-based and seven gas-based plants, seven solar renewable and seven joint venture power stations contribute about 28 per cent of the country's electricity supplies.

According to the CMD, NTPC has been able to achieve its highest ever capacity addition for the third consecutive year. During the financial year 2012- 13, 4,170 MW was added against 2,820 MW in financial year 2011- 12, and 2,490 MW in financial year 2010-11.

Roy Choudhary is of the view that given the enormous power deficit in the country, if tackled in a planned manner, India’s potential power prospect can cater to the surging demand of the consumers, which will automatically give a big boost to the national economy.

In so far as the consumption patterns are concerned, India ranks among the lowest in the world. The per capita consumption of power in the country has grown from 631 units in financial year 2005- 06 to 917 units in financial year 2012- 13, as per Central Electrical Authority. This is less than the electricity consumption in the developed countries, leaving India with an enormous scope for capacity addition.