Public sector power producer NHPC plans to take up three thermal power projects, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Power, has informed the Consultative Committee on Power.
The three thermal power projects include 1,320-MW Rewa Thermal Project in Madhya Pradesh and two projects of 1,320-MW each at Lakhi Sarai and Pirpainthi in Bihar.
“All the three projects shall be executed in joint venture with State Governments,” said the Power Minister.
NHPC was incorporated in 1975 for efficient development of hydroelectric power. However, over the past several years the company is not able to add new capacities because of local protests at the site or not getting environment and forest clearances.
Also, the company has been left headless without a permanent Chairman and Managing Director for more than a year. G. Sai Prasad, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Power, is holding the additional charge of Chairman and Managing Director of NHPC.
NHPC’s Director (Finance) A.B.L. Srivastava also retired this month.
NHPC projects
Currently, NHPC operates 16 projects with 5,559-MW capacities. Nearly 26 other projects of the public sector entity are at various stages of development. Of these, eight projects with 4,227 MW are under construction.
In addition, 10 projects with 8,801 MW are awaiting clearances; four projects with 1,700-MW capacity and three foreign assigned projects of 2,850 MW are in the pipeline for preparation of feasibility report.