Nuclear Power Corp in hydel power foray

Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) has forayed into hydel generation by entering into tie-ups with National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) and two other entities for setting up 200-400 MW projects.

While the project with NHPC is expected to come up in Uttaranchal, NPCIL would also collaborate with Uttaranchal Jal Vidyut Nigam and Tehri Hydro Development Corporation.

The joint venture with NHPC has been formed to take care of the peak demand and to facilitate the continuation of nuclear power station as base load (location independent), S K Jain, CMD of NPCIL, here.

"NPCIL will assist in producing about 200 to 400 MW power. We will take 30% equity (Rs 200 to 300 crore) and also provide comfort level for borrowings by NHPC, THDC and UJVN," he said.

"We have evolved an unique idea of 'pump back scheme' with THDC," he said, adding two or three projects have been proposed with UJVN. Under the scheme, if water is not used in power generation it can be pumped back into the dam.

Provisions are being made to finance the projects from NPCIL's reserve fund and would not involve any budgetary support, Jain asserted.

Since state-run NPCIL has an 'AAA' corporate rating, it could help its joint venture partners in financing the projects, he added.

NPCIL will also be generating 10 MW of wind power by end of October or in November this year. This is expected to go up to 50 MW in the next two years, Jain said.