NTPC eyes international expansion with EDF tie-up

EDF is one of the largest producers of electricity, including nuclear power

NTPC Ltd said its tie-up with EDF or Électricité de France announced by the government yesterday is likely to help it expand globally, while also making Indian power market more efficient and carbon neutral.

The deal was announced yesterday by the French Ambassador to India, Emmanuel Lenain.

The French are keen to help Indian transition from coal-based power to more eco-friendly options; NTPC is one of the world’s largest producers of coal-powered electricity.

Lenain had said the partnership was to find “innovative solutions for the energy transition”, including both renewables as well as efficient grids.

In the statement released by NTPC, EDF was quoted as saying that the French major hopes to work on low-carbon energy opportunities in India and other growth markets.

In the statement, NTPC said the two companies will also jointly explore the possibility of power project development in the countries of mutual interest, as well as exchange knowledge and technical expertise. These include projects in Middle-East, Europe & Africa.

The two will also explore collaboration around technical services, including international consultancy assignments, and will consider the possibility of pursuing pilot programs in the clean energy sector together.

The companies will “collaborate for knowledge sharing, R&D, technical services and consultancy assignments globally”, said the Indian firm.

NTPC also said the collaboration with EDF, majorly owned by the French state, will help it compete in international markets.

“NTPC aims to expand its portfolio of power generation assets globally. This MoU supports our roadmap for the development of clean energy projects worldwide. We believe this alliance will bring multiple mutually constructive investment opportunities in the global markets,” it added.