NTPC eyes Gulf mkts, may get N-fuel from GE

NTPC Ltd has set its sights abroad and is set to open a beachhead for its overseas plans with a Dubai office. Aimed at providing it an entry into the potentially lucrative West Asia market, the office will be up and running shortly.

"We are opening up this office for providing feasibility, engineering, operation and maintenance services, project management (planning and site supervision), contract management, procurement, renovation and modernisation consultancy,' a company official told Business Standard.

The company is also in talks with GE Energy for transfer of nuclear technology and fuel for its proposed nuclear power plant for civilian purpose. NTPC Ltd has plans to set up a 2,000 Mw capacity nuclear plant by 2017. A delegation from GE Energy met an NTPC team today for discussions on the same.

The company presently has no plans to invest money in setting up a power plant overseas. "NTPC's Sri Lankan project is the only exception as it is a government-to-government partnership," the official added.

It serves NTPC's interest to service its business interests in the region as the power generation major is pursuing business opportunities in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran, Jordan, Bahrain, Egypt and Sudan.

The Energy Coordination Committee chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has mooted a change in the existing legal and policy framework. This move will also end the monopoly of the state-run Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd.