State-run NHPC plans to join hands with private sector players for developing hydel power projects. In this regard, the company has held preliminary discussions with various independent power producers.

The country’s largest hydro power producer is also diversifying into thermal, solar and wind energy projects.

The company would be looking to partner private players to develop greenfield hydro power projects where construction is yet to start, NHPC Director (Finance), A.B.L. Srivastava, said.

It would be a “win win situation” for the company as well as the private sector if both join hands, he told reporters here last evening.

The plan also comes against the backdrop of many private players finding it difficult to move ahead with hydel projects.

“We have noted that many (hydro) projects which have been allocated to private sector are not making (much) progress,” Srivastava said.

Noting that the move would help in expanding business, he said expressions of Interest with detailed guidelines have been floated with regard to the proposed partnerships with private entities.

“To begin with, we will take up projects only when promoters of private sector projects are willing to offer majority stake to NHPC,” Srivastava said.

However, he said that the planned 51 per cent stake stipulation could be diluted since in certain projects, the respective State Government itself would be holding at least 26 per cent stake.

According to him, independent power producers have also suggested amendments to the guidelines. “After taking into consideration all suggestions, we will come out with the final guidelines shortly... by early December,” he said.

As part of diversification, the company would develop a 1,320-MW thermal power project along with the Chhattisgarh Government. It also plans to develop grid connected 50-MW wind and 100-MW solar power projects.

Currently NHPC has an installed power generation capacity of 5,702 MW.

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