NTPC sets Rampal date

NTPC Ltd is looking to start electricity generation from its thermal power project in Bangladesh by December 2018, says a report in Kolkata's "Telegraph".

NTPC had entered into a 50:50 joint venture with Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) to set up Bangladesh India Friendship Power Company Ltd (BIFPCL) in October 2011.

The joint venture company will set up a 1,320MW project at Rampal in Bagerhat district under the Khulna division of Bangladesh. The project has been named Maitree.

“We are planning to set up a 2x660 MW power project in Bangladesh as part of our international venture. A board meeting of the joint venture company was held today in the presence of senior officials from both sides. The board has stressed the need to commission the unit of the Maitree power project by December 2018,” a senior NTPC official told The Telegraph.

The official said the project required an investment of around $1.2-1.4 billion and would have an equity component of 30 per cent, with debt comprising the remaining amount. NTPC will provide 15 per cent of the equity as it is an equal joint venture.

The project will require 4.8 million tonnes per annum of coal, which, according to NTPC sources, could be imported from Indonesia because of its proximity to Bangladesh.

The power generated will be evacuated by BPDB and consumed in Bangladesh, according to NTPC sources.

Today’s board meeting was chaired by Bangladesh power secretary Monowar Islam and attended by NTPC chairman Arup Roy Choudhury, Bangladesh joint power secretary Anwar Hossain and senior officials of the Bangladesh power board, NTPC and BIFPCL.