NTPC PIVOTS FROM THERMAL TO GREEN

NTPC has around 4GW of renewable capacity, and plans to add at least 5GW solar capacity in2 years.
The firm has decided not to set up greenfield coal power projects. It plans to make total capital
expenditure of Rs 1 trillion between 2019 and 2024 to become 130GW power producer by 2032. NTPC
has changed its focus and is pursuing renewable capacity addition aggressively. They have taken a
decision not to acquire greenfield thermal projects in the near future with a focus on reducing carbon
footprint. However they may continue with extension of thermal projects in brownfield locations. NTPC
also plans to add atleast 1 GW of operational solar projects as part of its strategy to have 32 GW clean
energy portfolio by 2032.
India is trying to realign its energy mix in favour of green energy sources and has become one of the top
renewable energy producers globally, with a plan to achieve 175 GW by 2022 and 500GW by 2030 as
part of its climate change commitments. Discussions are in progress with the state governments of
Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh for allocation of land parcels for
setting up of renewable projects which are to be developed under the Ultra Mega Renewable Energy
Power Parks (UMREPP) scheme of the government of India. The proposed UMREPP of 2 GW each will be
costing $2 billion each are intended to achieve economies of scale and further bring down solar tariffs.
The green energy parks are to be set up under the existing solar park scheme which provides the
building blocks, land and grid connectivity.