State-run power major NTPC today said it has started operations of the first super critical 660 MW unit at Sipat plant in Chattisgarh.
The plant, located in Bilaspur, has an installed capacity of 2,980 MW.
With the commissioning of 660 MW, NTPC's installed capacity has increased to 34,854 MW, while the total operational capacity at Sipat plant is now 1,660 MW.
The Sipat project has three units of 660 MW in stage I and 2 units of 500 MW in stage II, which are already operational.
"The project shall have an installed capacity of 2,980 MW on completion of both the stages. The beneficiaries of the project are Western Region states of Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa, Daman & Diu and Dadra Nagar Haveli," NTPC said in a statement.
NTPC has an operational capacity of over 8,000 MW in Western Region and work is progressing for over 4,000 MW capacity at Mouda, Vindhyachal, Sipat and Solapur.
According to the statement, the company is focused on introduction of high efficiency supercritical and ultra super-critical coal-based power plants.
The entity has floated tenders for 9 units each of 660 MW and 800 MW for its upcoming projects in 12th plan.
"These supercritical units will achieve much higher generation efficiency and are critical components of NTPC's low carbon growth strategy," it added.
