NTPC all set to boost the power sector

National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has drawn up a long- term plan to become a 1,28,000 MW company in terms of installed capacity by the year 2032, with 28 per cent coming from non- fossil fuel sources such as renewable, hydro and nuclear, said NTPC chairman and managing director Arup Roy Choudhary.

According to him, 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.

The NTPC chairman is of the view that the enormous power deficit in the country, if tackled in a planned manner, will translate into a huge potential for the growth of the power sector, which will automatically give a big boost to the national economy.

In terms of consumption patterns, India ranks among the lowest in the world. The per capita consumption of power in India has increased 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.

With fast- paced capacity addition and benchmarks in generation, NTPC remains the leader in the Indian power sector. With its investment plans of more than Rs1.5 lakh crore for the 12th Plan period, NTPC remains crucial to the government's effort to speed up public sector investment.

NTPC is the largest power producer in the country with an installed capacity of 43,019 MW through its 16 coal- based, seven gas- based, seven solar renewable and seven joint venture power stations contributing to 28 per cent of our energy requirements.

In NTPC, corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been guided and supervised by a board- level committee with an independent director right from 2004.

As far as CSR is concerned, NTPC will focus on long- term projects to improve social indicators in education, health, income generation, drinking water, among others, in line with Millennium Development Goals.

Choudhary said, " Some of the long- term signature programmes we envisage are 'health on wheels' - Mobile Health Clinics - to improve health and hygiene indicators, solar- powered electricity and drinking water in neighbourhood schools, and adoption of meritorious students up to graduation.''

Courtesy: Mail Today