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stated that the technology solves the problem of intermittent renewable power while avoiding the costs and pollution of outdated coal plants.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.

NTPC Limited has entered into a Cooperation Agreement with Africa50 to jointly identify, assess, and develop power-generation projects across Africa. The partnership aims to expand reliable electricity supply and facilitate cross-border energy trading by combining NTPC's engineering capabilities with Africa50's investment expertise.

The agreement was formalized on October 15, 2026. It seeks to advance commercially viable power projects by attracting investment and supporting the progression of identified opportunities from feasibility studies through to implementation.

Strategic roles and capabilities

Under the framework, NTPC will contribute its extensive technical, engineering, project development, construction management, and operations expertise. The company will focus on assessing project feasibility and developing viable solutions for identified opportunities.

Africa50 will complement these efforts by leveraging its proprietary continental-scale pipeline and access to governments and regulators. With 34 African country shareholders, Africa50 will identify priority power projects, structure them for investment, and support their progress across the project life cycles.

Leadership commentary

Gurdeep Singh, Chairman and Managing Director of NTPC, stated that combining NTPC's technical experience with Africa50's project development capabilities creates a strong foundation for supporting reliable power supply and regional electricity trade in mutually agreed countries.

Alain Ebobisse, Group Chief Executive Officer of Africa50, emphasized that reliable and competitively priced power is central to Africa's industrial transformation. He noted the partnership aims to translate public ambition into private investment in power generation to support industrial growth and job creation.

About the entities

NTPC Limited

NTPC is India's largest integrated power company and a Government of India enterprise. Incorporated in 1975, it contributes around one-fourth of the country's total electricity generation. The group's installed capacity exceeds 91.5 GW, comprising coal, gas, hydro, solar, and wind sources. NTPC has set a target of 149 GW of total installed capacity by 2032, including 60 GW of renewable energy.

Africa50

Africa50 is a specialist investor in African infrastructure with 39 shareholders, including 34 African countries and the African Development Bank. It focuses on developing, de-risking, and delivering projects in energy, transport, and digital sectors to unlock economic growth.