State-owned power generator, NTPC, has set up an in-house monitoring cell chaired by executive director to check slippages in its target to add generation capacity of 22,430 mw and other growth plans. This is in addition to the similar unit formed by the power ministry. NTPC, which has total installed capacity of 30,644 mw through 26 power stations including joint ventures, currently has 17,930 mw under construction and aims to generate 50,000 mw by 2012.
The move of nation?s largest power generator move is crucial when the power ministry is worried over slippages largely due to delays in the procurement of power plant equipment and balance of plant, fuel linkages, land acquisition, water availability and above all to seek environment and forest clearances. NTPC?s decision also assumes significance as during the first two years of 11th Plan, the country has missed the capacity addition targets.
According to the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), 3,453.70 mw was achieved against the national target of 11,061.20 mw in 2008-09 and also in 2007-08 (the first year of the 11th Plan), capacity of 9,263 mw was added against the total target of 16,335 mw. Similarly, against the target of 14,507 mw for 2009-10 at the national level, up to June there has been a mere capacity addition of 2,358 mw has been achieved.
NTPC chairman and managing director RS Sharma told FE on the sideline of the meet of analyst ??NTPC has put the capacity addition on fast track. The project monitoring committee will coordinate with the top management as well as with the concerned people at various other levels. NTPC has already commissioned 3,240 mw of the total 22,430 mw generation capacity. This includes Kahalgaon (1,000 mw), Sipat (1,000 mw), Bhilai (500 mw) and Dabhol (740 mw).??
The monitoring cell would also keep a close watch on achievement of coal production of 15 mt by 11th Plan. NTPC is engaged in the development of coalmines at Pakri Barwadih, Chatti Bariatu, Kerandari, Brahmini Chichro Patsimal and Chatti Bariatu (south) (all in Jharkhand), Dulanga (Orissa) and Talaipalli (Chhattisgarh). Pakri Barwadih has a mine capacity of 15 mtpa, 7mtpa for Chatti Bariatu, 6 mtpa for Kerandari, 7 mtpa for Dulanga, 15 mtpa for Talaipalli and 20 mtpa for Brahmini Chichro Patsimal.
Moreover, NTPC’s trading arm, which has traded a total of 4.8 billion units in 2008-09, proposes to achieve trading target of 10 billion units by end of 2011-12. NTPC, in a joint venture with NHPC, PFC and TCS, plans to start operation of the power exchange from December instead of originally planned in April.