NTPC has approved an investment of 20,456.70 crore for the expansion of its Lara Super Thermal Power Project in Chhattisgarh, marking one of its largest thermal power investments in recent years. The company's board has cleared the proposal for Stage-III of the project, which will add 1,600 MW of generation capacity through two supercritical units of 800 MW each.
The approval comes as India continues to witness robust growth in electricity demand, driven by industrial expansion, urbanisation and increasing energy consumption. The project is expected to strengthen NTPC's generation portfolio while ensuring a reliable supply of baseload power to the national grid.
Expansion To Support Rising Power Demand
According to the company's regulatory filing, the Lara Stage-III project will be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 20,456.70 crore. Once completed, the additional capacity will enhance NTPC's ability to meet the country's growing energy requirements while supporting grid stability.
The investment reflects the company's dual strategy of expanding conventional power generation alongside its rapidly growing renewable energy portfolio. While NTPC has significantly increased investments in solar, wind and green hydrogen projects, thermal power continues to play a crucial role in ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply, particularly during periods of peak demand.
The Lara Super Thermal Power Project, located in Raigarh district of Chhattisgarh, is already a key asset in NTPC's generation network. The new expansion is expected to improve operational efficiency through advanced supercritical technology, which offers better fuel efficiency and lower emissions than conventional thermal power units. The latest board approval underlines NTPC's continued focus on expanding capacity to support India's long-term energy security and economic growth while balancing the country's transition towards cleaner sources of power.