New Delhi: "NTPC is shaping up well for the future with its diversification plans and as a responsible corporate, NTPC is committed towards environment and the fast-growing capacity addition in the renewable portfolio is testimony to the commitment", said Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Power RK Singh. The minister was speaking on the occasion of the 46th Raising Day of NTPC addressing the senior management of India's largest power producer along with the employees and their family members through the digital platform.
Congratulating NTPC on its 46th Raising Day, Singh said, "during the pandemic, NTPC has ensured uninterrupted power supply to the nation reinforcing the significance of affordable power in our daily lives." He further added, "NTPC is one of the largest companies in India and now they must strive hard to become one of the largest power producers globally. The company has remained nimble-footed that has helped them to evolve stronger over the years."
Speaking on the occasion, the Ministry of Power's Secretary Sanjiv Nandan Sahai congratulated NTPC for its glorious 45 years of excellence. Sahai said, "I am glad to see how NTPC is looking to reinvent itself and move forward with its investments in the renewable sphere." He praised the company's efforts in mitigating pollution caused due to stubble burning by co-firing Biomass at its power plants. Sahai also emphasised Hydrogen as the fuel for the future and commended the way NTPC is gearing up for its challenges.
NTPC Limited's CMD Gurdeep Singh said, "We appreciate and acknowledge all those who have contributed to the growth of NTPC since 1975 and congratulate NTPC Family for its success over the years." He further added "In this financial year, we have added 1,784 MW in spite of challenges posed by the pandemic and ensured uninterrupted power supply to the nation. We are planning to achieve the target of 1 lakh MW of capacity by 2025 and are well placed with our diversification plans in distribution and expansion in the renewable portfolio."
The day also marked the announcement of commercial operation second unit of 880 MW unit of the NTPC Lara in Chhattisgarh.
The Raising Day celebration began with the flag hoisting ceremony at the Engineering Office Complex (EOC), Noida. The ceremony was attended by NTPC officials from locations across the country via online platforms, amidst the COVID induced uncertainty.
The Swarn Shakti Awards were presented to NTPC plants in the areas of Productivity, Safety, Protection and Improvement of Environment, Rajbhasha, Best Health Facilities, CSR & Community Development and Project Management Awards.
This event is special for all NTPCians as every employee worked round the clock during the lockdown phase earlier this year to protect the nation from lack of electricity. The fact that electricity is crucial was proved once again during the lockdown as it was needed for the smooth operation of emergency services. This resulted in additional demand from NTPC and it showcased its stellar performance and lived up to the responsibility bestowed upon it by supplying electricity 24×7 despite the lockdown. This crisis witnessed the power engineers emerging as new heroes and saving the day by providing light in every nook and corner of the country.
(PSU Watch– India's Business News centre that places the spotlight on PSUs, Bureaucracy, Defence and Public Policy is now on Telegram. Join PSU Watch Channel in your Telegram and stay updated)