NTPC is expanding its energy infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh with over 14,000 MW installed capacity and major upcoming projects, including 1,600 MW at Singrauli Stage-III by 2028. Talking ahead of the culmination of the financial year, regional executive director of Northern Region, NTPC, and CEO of NSPCL—NTPC’s joint venture with SAIL, Diwakar Kaushik, outlined the company’s growth trajectory and key developments in the state.Can you give an overview of NTPC’s existing infrastructure in UP and your plans to strengthen it?■ NTPC has over 14,000 MW of installed capacity in Uttar Pradesh under our northern region. We are adding 1,600 MW at Singrauli Stage-III, expected to be commissioned by 2028. A 20 MW solar project at Rihand is in its final stage and will start generation by April. Meja Stage-II is under discussion with the UP govt and work should begin next year.What is NTPC’s renewable energy capacity in UP?■ Apart from the 20 MW Rihand solar project, we have a 225 MW solar plant at Bilhaur near Kanpur. Nearly 1,000 MW of solar capacity is under development in Chitrakoot and Lalitpur.What are your initiatives on green hydrogen?■ A pilot green hydrogen initiative is underway in Greater Noida through our research and development wing. While the technology is stable, we are working on scaling it economically. A large green hydrogen and green chemicals hub is being developed at Pudimadaka near Visakhapatnam on 1,200 acres. At our Varanasi plant, 600 tonnes of municipal solid waste is converted into green coal, which is used in Unchahar power station boilers. Similar projects can be replicated in Gorakhpur and Greater Noida.What is the status of nuclear power plants in UP?■ NTPC’s nuclear wing has identified three potential sites near Lalitpur, Sonbhadra, and Prayagraj. Proposals have been submitted to the UP govt and discussions are ongoing.What are the battery storageplans in UP?■ Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are being piloted at non-pithead stations like Dadri to address solar intermittency. NTPC has secured 5GW of BESS capacity nationally, to be deployed over the next two years.What is NTPC’s role in India’s Net Zero by 2070 goal?■ We are reducing fossil fuel emissions, expanding renewables, and planning nuclear power for longterm coal replacement, ensuring growth and sustainability go together.What are your top three priorities?■ Timely commissioning of Singrauli units, improved gas availability for Dadri and Auraiya gas plants, and on time delivery of solar projects in UP.What are the opportunities in solar cities like Ayodhya, Varanasi and Gorakhpur?■ NTPC has already set up a 40 MW solar plant in Ayodhya. NTPC Green Energy Ltd participates in solar tenders nationwide and is keen to support such initiatives.
