State-run power major NTPC Limited on Sunday invited Expressions of Interest (EoIs) from commercial and industrial entities willing to invest 26 per cent equity in co-generation projects, as the company seeks to expand its industrial energy solutions business and strengthen partnerships with major power consumers.
The initiative aims to develop integrated co-generation facilities capable of meeting industrial requirements for both steam and electricity. The proposed projects will also explore power supply arrangements combining coal-based generation, renewable energy and battery energy storage systems (BESS), providing industries with reliable and cost-effective energy solutions.
The move comes as industries increasingly seek greater energy security, improved operational efficiency and sustainable alternatives to conventional power supply arrangements. NTPC said the proposed partnerships would help address these requirements while supporting India's broader energy transition objectives.
Integrated energy solutions
Co-generation, also known as combined heat and power generation, involves the simultaneous production of electricity and useful thermal energy, such as steam, from a single energy source. By utilising heat that would otherwise be wasted during conventional electricity generation, such facilities can improve overall energy efficiency.
NTPC said the proposed projects would enable industrial consumers to meet their electricity and process steam requirements through integrated energy systems, potentially reducing operational costs and improving supply reliability.
The company noted that industries were placing increasing emphasis on energy security, cost optimisation and sustainability, making co-generation an attractive option for improving energy efficiency.
The proposed initiative will also explore long-term power supply arrangements tailored to the requirements of industrial consumers, particularly those with substantial and continuous demand for electricity and steam.
Expanding industrial partnerships
The invitation for industrial partners marks NTPC's effort to diversify beyond conventional electricity supply agreements and explore captive and cooperative generation arrangements with commercial and industrial consumers.
Under the proposed model, participating entities would invest 26 per cent equity in co-generation projects, allowing them to participate in developing energy infrastructure suited to their operational requirements.
The initiative also envisages integrating conventional generation with renewable energy and battery storage technologies to provide flexible and dependable power supply solutions.
NTPC said the approach would help strengthen partnerships with industrial consumers while contributing to energy efficiency, sustainability and industrial growth.
The company believes that its experience in power generation, project development and energy infrastructure management can support the implementation of such integrated energy supply models.
Capacity expansion plans
NTPC currently operates an installed power generation capacity exceeding 91 gigawatts (GW), with another 35 GW of capacity under construction.
The company has set a target of expanding its total installed capacity to 149 GW by 2032, including 60 GW from renewable energy sources.
Its generation portfolio comprises thermal, hydroelectric, solar and wind power projects, reflecting its efforts to maintain reliable electricity supply while gradually increasing the share of cleaner energy sources.
The company has also diversified into emerging energy businesses, including electric mobility, battery storage, waste-to-energy, nuclear power and green hydrogen.
These initiatives form part of NTPC's strategy to expand its presence across the energy sector while responding to changing industrial requirements and the country's long-term energy transition goals.
EOI deadline November 30
According to NTPC's official tender portal, the EoI was issued on October 11, with the deadline for submissions fixed at 6 pm on November 30, 2026.
The invitation has been issued through the company's Southern Regional Headquarters in Hyderabad.
The proposed partnerships are expected to help NTPC explore new business opportunities in industrial energy supply while offering commercial and industrial consumers greater participation in dedicated power generation infrastructure.
By combining co-generation technology with renewable energy and storage solutions, the company aims to develop supply models that address industrial energy requirements while supporting efficiency improvements and sustainability objectives.