NTPC announced that it is planning to produce more that 10,000 MW in south India by the year 2017.

At present, the power utility has an installed capacity of 5,460 MW in south India against an overall capacity of 31,704 MW in the country.

It has framed plans to append 2,490 MW of electricity by the end of 11th five-year plan (2007-12) and another 8,350 MW by the 12th plan (2012-17).

Mr. A. N. Dave, NTPC regional executive director (South) said, "The total installed capacity in the south by the end of 12th plan is expected to be 15,300-16,300 MW."

Mr. Dave said that a 4,000 MW super thermal power project is coming up at Kudgi in Bijapur region of Karnataka at a cost of Rs. 16,910 crore.

The first phase of the project will have 3 divisions of 800 MW whereas the second phase will include two units of 800 MW.

The Vallur thermal power plant near Chennai will fabricate 1,000 MW as will also the Simhadri super thermal power facility in Andhra Pradesh.

Moreover, the company will also establish the Marakkanam super thermal power project in Tamil Nadu. (With Inputs from Agencies)