NTPC plans to acquire 26% stake in coal mines overseas: Report

National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), the country’s largest power utility, is reportedly planning to acquire at least 26% stake in coal mines abroad to secure long-term fuel supplies for all its power plants.  The company has shifted its earlier stance of seeking only minority stakes in such mines to ensure enough fuel for plants that operate only on imported coal. Currently, the company is looking at long term tie-ups of imported coal for at least five years for coal with energy content between 4200 and 6000 gross calorific value (GCV). NTPC is the largest power generating company in the country. It has also diversified into hydro power, coal mining, power equipment manufacturing, oil & gas exploration, power trading & distribution.