NTPC Ltd has appointed Shri Diwakar Nath Misra, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Power, as a Government Nominee Director on its Board. The appointment was conveyed via an order from the Ministry of Power dated October 19, 2026.

The directive, issued under order No. 8/6/2018-Th.I, states that the President of India has appointed Misra to the position. His tenure will continue until his term in the Ministry of Power ends or until further orders are issued, whichever occurs earlier.

Regulatory compliance and next steps

The company stated it is taking necessary actions to complete the appointment formalities. These steps are in compliance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, and the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. Requisite disclosures regarding this appointment will be submitted in due course.

This development follows the standard protocol for government nominees joining public sector undertaking boards, ensuring alignment with central government administrative structures.

NTPC Limited has signed a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement with 247Solar, a Virginia-based company, to deploy advanced solar thermal technology. This marks the first commercial project for the technology, which aims to generate round-the-clock clean electricity and reduce reliance on coal.

The deployment will take place at the Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan, one of the world's largest solar energy hubs. The project involves installing a ~1MW hybrid system that integrates one 400 kW modular 247Solar Plant with several hundred kilowatts of photovoltaic (PV) capacity. The site was selected for its abundant sunshine and easy interconnection for offtake.

Technology and operational capabilities

247Solar’s system improves upon first-generation Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technologies by simplifying design and enhancing scalability. The technology uses mirrors to concentrate sunlight on a tower, heating ceramic pellets that store thermal energy for up to 20 hours. This stored heat allows turbines to generate electricity without combustion during normal conditions, addressing the intermittency issues associated with conventional solar and wind power.

If stored heat runs low due to extended cloudy weather or overnight demand, the same turbines can operate using liquid or gaseous fuels, including natural gas, green hydrogen, or diesel. This flexibility ensures uninterrupted power production. The system also provides heat up to 1000°C (over 1800°F) for industrial processes.

Strategic significance for India’s energy grid

India is currently racing to meet surging electricity demand, often building coal capacity alongside renewable sources to cover gaps when solar panels are inactive. NTPC will test whether this new solar thermal solution can effectively close that gap. Success of this pilot could position Rajasthan as a proving ground for the technology and encourage broader adoption across India.

Bruce Anderson, founder and CEO of 247Solar, stated that the technology solves the problem of intermittent renewable power while avoiding the costs and pollution of outdated coal plants. The project is backed by the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Limited, which has approved preliminary studies, site surveys, and structural tests.

Key benefits over traditional CSP

The company highlights several advantages of its modernized system compared to traditional CSP technology:

• Lower cost
• Speed to power
• Simplicity of design and operation
• High reliability
• Grid independence
• Cost-effective baseload power

What the Numbers Show

The integration of a 400 kW modular unit with existing PV infrastructure at Bhadla Solar Park illustrates a hybrid approach to energy stability. By combining PV generation with a thermal storage system capable of 20-hour discharge, the project directly targets the evening peak demand period when solar output typically ceases. This configuration suggests a strategic shift toward baseload-capable renewables, potentially reducing the need for coal-fired peaking plants in the region.