NTPC’s Koldam hydro electric power project is likely to go on stream in the next financial year. NTPC has set itself a target of June 2014 for starting its first hydro power plant. NTPC has already started filling in the 163-metre reservoir, the process which is likely to continue for next 11 months.
NTPC, the PSU thermal power producer, is implementing 4 x 200 MW Koldam hydel project on River Satluj in Himachal Pradesh in an effort to diversify its power generation basket. The Koldam hydropower project involves the construction of a 163 mtrs high rock-fill dam across river Satluj at Slapper and surface powerhouse at the toe of the dam. The project will utilize a potential drop of about 140 mtrs. About 3,054-Gw-hour electricity will be generated annually of which, NTPC has agreed to provide 12% of energy free of cost to HP.
NTPC had signed an MoU with the state government for the project way back in 2000. At that time cost estimated was Rs. 1,973 crore. However, final cost of the project has touched nearly Rs. 6,000 crore.
