NTPC, BHEL look to expand presence in Africa

NTPC is exploring opportunities in Africa to get coal blocks under bilateral pacts between India and mineral-rich countries in the continent, as it looks to secure fuel for its expanding local capacities. So far, BHEL has taken up construction of power projects in several African countries including Rwanda, Sudan, Libya, Ethiopia, Egypt, Zambia, Tanzania, Uganda and Nigeria. It is also looking at South Africa for selling its circulating fluidized bed combustion (CFBC) boilers, needed for power and industrial applications. With the expansion of its operations in Africa, the company is now looking at putting up a manufacturing facility for power equipment there. Contact: NTPC. Tel: 011-2436 0100.