NTPC Approves Investment for 1600 MW Lara Thermal Power Project

NTPC has approved an investment of Rs 20,456.70 crore for the 1,600 MW Lara Super Thermal Power Project Stage-III in Chhattisgarh, strengthening its generation capacity to meet India's growing electricity demand.

The approval comes as the company also advances efforts to improve operational flexibility at its thermal power plants to better support renewable energy integration. Earlier, on June 5, NTPC invited bids from technology solution providers to help its sub-critical thermal power units operate at lower loads and in two-shift operations.

The initiative covers sub-critical units with capacities ranging from 150 MW to 250 MW and aims to enable them to function at a minimum technical load of 25 percent. According to NTPC, sub-critical thermal units are better suited for certain grid-balancing requirements with their ability to operate efficiently at lower loads and handle frequent cycling makes them valuable for balancing intermittent renewable energy sources.

The combined initiatives reflect NTPC's strategy to expand power generation while enhancing grid stability and supporting India's clean energy transition.