NEW DELHI/BHADLA: NTPC Ltd, India's largest electric utility, has signed a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with US-based 247Solar for a hybrid power project at Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan, pv magazine India reported, citing the companies' announcement carried by PR Newswire.

The approximately 1 MW project will combine a 400 kW modular 247Solar plant with several hundred kilowatts of solar PV capacity, marking the first commercial deployment of 247Solar's solar thermal technology. The project is backed by the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Ltd, which has approved preliminary studies, site surveys and structural tests. Bhadla was selected for its abundant sunshine and easy grid interconnection, the companies said.

247Solar plants combine concentrated solar power, thermal energy storage and a proprietary turbine to generate electricity around the clock. The system stores heat for up to 20 hours in ceramic pellets, using hot air to generate electricity without combustion under normal conditions; if stored heat runs low, the turbines can also run on liquid or gaseous fuels, including natural gas, green hydrogen or diesel, according to the company.

NTPC will test whether the system can close the gap left by photovoltaic panels after sunset and during bad weather, and reduce reliance on coal. 'This new version of solar thermal solves the problem of intermittent solar and wind power, and avoids spending more on outdated, costly, and dirty coal plants,' said Bruce Anderson, founder and CEO of 247Solar. 'India's rapid growth plainly requires more clean, reliable and affordable energy,' he added. POWER Magazine also reported the agreement.

Sources: pv magazine India; PR Newswire (247Solar announcement); POWER Magazine.