NTPC pumps in Rs 1365 cr to upgrade three facilities

State-run power major NTPC plans to invest Rs 1,365 crore to renovate three power plants with a total capacity of more than 6,500 mw to enhance their lifespan by up to 25 years. The three projects "� the 2,000 mw Singrauli, 2,760 mw Vindhyachal and 2,000 mw Rihand "� in the coal belt of eastern Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh are among the company's largest power generating stations. The renovation plan will also help save a substantial amount as setting up greenfield projects of similar capacity will cost over Rs 25,000 crore.

The Singrauli plant, which will be celebrating its 25th anniversary later this month, has already begun renovation and will be completing the first phase by March at a cost of Rs 50 crore.

The second phase, costing Rs 135 crore, has around 56 processes, of which 15 have been completed. Around 26 more will be finished by March 2008 and the rest by 2009.

"Life extension programme, renovation and modernisation in the first phase would cost about Rs 50 crore. In the second phase, an allocation of Rs 135 crore has been made," Singrauli General Manager R K Gaur said.

These schemes would extend the power plant's life by 10-15 years, he said.

The company is also planning a mega renovation scheme. It has estimated a budget of Rs 1,000 crore and sought clearance from Central Electricity Authority and Central Electricity Regulatory Commission.

"The mega renovation plan would entail upgradation of boilers, fans, control systems and technology input. This would start only after the second phase is completed in 2009. The mega renovation would extend the life of this plant by 25 years," Gaur said.

NTPC will procure equipment from Bharat Heavy Electrical, Siemens, ABB and others. While the boilers will be supplied by BHEL, control systems by Siemens and ABB.

The other two stations "� 2,760 mw Vindhyachal and 2,000 mw Rihand "� are also completing renovation of first stage.

The company would renovate first six units of 210 mw each in Vindhyachal at a cost of Rs 80 crore, said Vindhyachal project General Manager R P Gupta.

Rihand is also upgrading its first two units at an investment of Rs 100 crore to be completed by 2009.

"These schemes would help in extending the lifespan, improve efficiency and reduce environment pollution," Rihand General Manager J Nanda said.