NTPC may borrow Rs 16,000 cr in FY18 to fund projects

NTPC may borrow about Rs 16,000 crore next financial year for adding 6,900 MW of fresh electricity generation capacity by March 2019, from bonds or debt market.

"NTPC is currently working on adding 21,000 MW capacities and projects are at different stage of execution... by March 2019 it plans to add about 6,900 MW.

The state-run company will continue to fund the projects at debt to equity ratio of 70:30, according to sources. The power giant has planned capital expenditure of Rs 23,000 crore for 2018-19, which includes both debt and equity, for capacity addition through the greenfield route. However, this capital expenditure does not include the investment that may be required for other projects that the company is looking to acquire either from state utilities or stressed assets, tenders for which have been floated. This fiscal, the capital expenditure of the power generator is Rs 28,000 crore.