Renewable energy: NTPC may invest Rs 8,100 cr

State-run NTPC is likely invest about Rs 8,100 crore (Rs 81 billion) for setting up over 1,000 MW renewable energy projects in the country by 2017.

The company has set a target of adding at least 1,000 MW of power through renewable energy sources by the end of the next plan period (2012-17), sources said.

This capacity addition is likely to consist of wind energy projects (650 MW), hydro energy from units of smaller than 25 MW (350 MW) and solar energy projects (50 MW). On an average, generating one MW hydro power costs Rs 7 crore (Rs 70 million), wind power Rs 8 crore (Rs 80 million) and solar Rs 10 crore (Rs 100 million).

The first 100 MW renewable plant based on wind energy is likely to be commissioned by the end of 2010, sources said, adding, the company has signed an agreement with Karnataka Power Corp for setting up wind energy projects aggregating to 500 MW capacity.

Feasibility studies for 8 MW hydro-energy based project at NTPC-Singrauli has been finalised and the notice inviting tender would be issued soon.

The company is planning to implement solar thermal energy projects of 15 MW at NTPC's project in Anta, 25 MW at NTPC- Rihand or Singrauli and 6 MW solar photovoltaic based projects at Andaman and Nicobar Islands.