NTPC Plans to Dominate Solar Power Space with 60 GW Green Energy Vision

India’s largest coal-based power producer, NTPC, is shifting focus to large-scale solar projects as part of its ambitious plan to add 60 GW of green energy capacity by 2035. The company will restrict wind and battery storage projects to 10% of its renewable portfolio. NTPC’s renewable capacity is set to increase from 3.5 GW to 6 GW by 2025 and reach 19 GW by 2027.

Growth Plans and Milestones

NTPC’s renewable energy expansion includes a roadmap for substantial capacity growth:

Key Focus Areas and Strategy for Solar Energy Expansion

NTPC’s focus on solar energy is driven by its experience and the favourable conditions for solar power generation in India. Here’s a breakdown of the strategy and key areas of focus:

Key Remarks by NTPC Chairman Gurdeep Singh

• Solar vs Wind: Singh pointed out, “Solar is available 340-350 days across India, whereas wind is periodic.” Therefore, NTPC’s solar-focused strategy also includes small-scale wind and battery storage where suitable.
• Challenges: He addressed potential challenges, including the possible impact of solar import duties, which he believes will have “minimal” impact on NTPC’s solar projects.
• Future Outlook: The company is not just focusing on solar; it’s also exploring green hydrogen and nuclear energy for long-term sustainable growth.

Addressing Market and Policy Challenges

NTPC also discussed potential challenges that could affect its renewable energy goals. These include external factors such as possible import duties on solar cells and changes in global renewable energy policies. However, the company remains confident that these challenges will have minimal impact on its operations.