NTPC keen on Jangi-Thopan project

Kuldeep Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Shimla, October 3

Even as Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd (SJVNL) and the NHPC have kept their card close to their chest, the NTPC has evinced interest in the 960-MW Jangi-Thopan power project.

NTPC officials had talks with officials from the Directorate of Energy here on Wednesday showing willingness to take up the project. They sought details and terms and conditions.

State government officials reiterated to the NTPC that the project would be allotted as per the term and conditions of the Hydropower Policy.

According to the policy, the company will have to give 12 per cent power free for 12 years after its commissioning, then after 13the years, it will give 18 per cent till 30 years and 30 per cent for 10 years. The state will take over the project after 40 years, revealed the sources.

Besides, the company will have to pay Rs 1 lakh per megawatt as an upfront premium before signing the agreement, sources added.

Director Energy Dr Ajay Sharma refused to divulge the details of the meeting saying that it was a preliminary meeting as directed by the Cabinet.

Even if the SJVNL, NHPC or NTPC show keenness to execute the project, the state government should seek the highest possible equity share in the project, said project engineers.

Second, the state government should negotiate with all three companies fixing service conditions for state employees or it should constitute a special-purpose vehicle to executive the project in the state sector, they added.