NTPC to invite bids for generation parts ahead of fuel tie-up

State-run power generator NTPC proposes to invite tenders forpower generation equipment for all its upcoming gas-based projects that will have a capacity of 10,000 mw, without waiting for assured supply of fuel, to put pressure on the government to allocate natural gas for its stranded plants. The department of public enterprise (DPE) forbids state firms, such as NTPC, from ordering equipment and starting construction beforesecuring fuel for the projects. This has put the power major at a disadvantage via-a-vis private sector firms that place orders and start work on plants even before securing any gas linkage. NTPC would place orders as soon as the government allocates gas.