NTPC to phase out 11,000 MW of old power plants in 5 years: Goyal

State-run thermal generator NTPC will replace its old power plants that have an aggregate capacity of 11,000 megawatt over a five-year phase out period, Power and Coal Minister Piyush Goyal said

“NTPC has already given the in-principle clearance to replace around 11,000 MW of its old, inefficient thermal power plants. The plants would be replaced in about five years, with an investment of around Rs. 50,000 crores,” he said at an event here to celebrate National Energy Conservation Day.

“It is very concerning that this country has very old power plants running which leads to very high carbon dioxide emission. The government wants to not only bring in new pollution control technology but also wants to phase out old power plants to bring down pollution levels,” he said.

Goyal said that following his meeting with NTPC Chairman Gurdeep Singh on Monday, the company has, within two days, confirmed that it will phase out its old plants.

He also said the Power Ministry is in talks with the Environment Ministry for clearances, which should not be a problem as it is a huge step in increasing energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.

Goyal, who also heads the New and Renewable Energy Ministry said 16,000 households in about 800 inaccessible villages in India which lack grid connectivity would be supplied energy efficient appliances free of cost.

“The Ministry would be providing, to each such household, a 300 KW Solar panel, 8-hour battery backup, 5 LED bulbs, an energy efficient ceiling fan and a solar power based mobile phone charging socket, all free of cost under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana,” he said.