OREANDA-NEWS. Tata Power, one of India's largest integrated power companies, announced that the company plans to increase generation capacity to 646.7MW from green energy sources by executing projects which are in advanced stages. Tata Power has a gross installed capacity of 912MW from clean energy sources of which 447MW comes from hydropower, and 465MW comes from renewable sources of energy, namely, wind and solar power.

Tata Power's clean energy projects comprise hydro power projects in Maharashtra with a gross installed capacity of 447MW; wind farms in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan, with gross installed capacity of 437MW, and solar projects in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Delhi, with gross installed capacity of 28MW. Tata Power's clean energy projects under execution in domestic and international markets include:

Palaswadi: Tata Power has entered into a PPA with Tata Power Renewable Energy (TPREL) for the purchase of solar energy from the 25MW AC Solar Plant located at Palaswadi, Maharashtra. The PPA has been entered into for a term of 25 years commencing from March 31, 2014. The project is currently under execution and is expected to be commissioned in the fiscal year 2015.

Visapur: Tata Power has entered into a PPA with TPREL for the purchase of wind energy from the 32MW wind energy project located at Ambheri, in Satara district in Maharashtra. The project is currently under execution and is expected to be commissioned in the fiscal year 2014. The PPA shall remain valid till December 31, 2027. The requisite clearances have been issued by the Ministry of Mining and the Government of Maharashtra in relation to the labour at the site and the extension of the grid connectivity.

Dagachhu Hydroelectric Power Project, Bhutan: The Dagachhu Hydroelectric Power Project (Dagachhu Project) is a joint venture wherein Tata Power holds a 26 percent stake as on December 31, 2013. The Dahgachhu Project is proposed to have an installed capacity of 126MW and is being implemented in Bhutan by Dagachhu Hydro Power Corporation. On June 25, 2008, Dagachhu Hydro Power Corporation entered into a PPA with TPTCL, which was subsequently amended on September 12, 2008, whereby TPTCL shall purchase and import power generated at the Dagachhu Project into India. This PPA is valid for a period of 25 years from the date of commissioning of the Dagachhu Project.

Pethshivpur: On January 16, 2014, Tata Power entered into a PPA with TPREL for the purchase of wind energy from the 49.5MW wind energy project being developed by TPREL for generating and selling renewable electrical energy to the beneficiary entities. The PPA shall commence from June 01, 2014, and remain effective up to May 31, 2027. This project is currently under execution and is expected to be commissioned in the fiscal year 2015.

Tsitsikamma: It is a 94.8MW wind power generation project currently under execution in South Africa and is expected to be commissioned in the fiscal year 2017. Tata Power is developing this project through its joint venture company, Cennergi. As at December 31, 2013, Tata Power holds a 50 percent share and Exxaro Resources holds the other 50 percent share in Cennergi. A PPA has been signed with Eskom Holdings SOC (Eskom) for the sale of power for a period of 20 years from the date of commencement of commercial operations.

Amakhala Emoyeni: It is a 134.4MW wind power generation project, located approximately 14 kilometres south west of the town of Bedford in the Eastern Cape, expected to be commissioned in the fiscal year 2017. Tata Power is developing this project through its joint venture company, Cennergi. A PPA has been signed with Eskom for sale of power for a period of 20 years from the date of commencement of commercial operations.

Georgia: Adjaristsqali Georgia LLC (AGL) is developing hydroelectric projects in Southwest Georgia. AGL is a joint venture company wherein Tata Power is one of the joint venture partners. As of December 31, 2013, Tata Power holds a 40 percent interest in AGL. AGL is expected to export power to Georgia and Turkey. AGL also has the option to enter into an off-take agreement with Energy System Commercial Operator (ESCO), an entity of the Government of Georgia. Alternatively, AGL could sell electricity directly to customers or in the spot market in Georgia. Civil work for this project is currently in progress and the project is expected to be commissioned in fiscal year 2017. The project is registered with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change as a carbon development mechanism project and has received validation on November 2013.

Speaking on this development, Anil Sardana, managing director, Tata Power, stated- “We are one of the largest independent power producers in India, with a strong track record of successful implementation of large and complex projects across the power sector. Our clean and renewable energy projects will allow us to reduce the overall carbon footprint and further diversify our energy portfolio to reduce fuel price risk. We intend to continue to improve our operational efficiency across all our businesses in the coming years.”

The company is constantly monitoring opportunities for the further development of wind power projects in India. Tata Power is also actively exploring hydroelectricity opportunities, the feasibility of standalone biomass-based power plants and possibilities for geothermal generation.

The Tata Power Company Limited is proposing, subject to market conditions and other considerations, to make a rights issue of its securities and has filed a letter of offer with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”), BSE Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited.