The government has approved state-run NTPC to invest up to Rs 20,000 crore to accelerate renewable energy capacity expansion. This move will help NTPC achieve its target of 60 GW renewable energy capacity by 2032.

The decision was announced by Information & Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw following a Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The CCEA enhanced the delegation of power to NTPC, allowing investments in its green energy arm, NTPC Green Energy (NGEL), and subsequently NGEL's investments in NTPC Renewable Energy (NREL) and other joint ventures or subsidiaries. The previous investment limit was Rs 7,500 crore.

An official release stated that this decision will fast-track renewable energy project development and strengthen India’s power infrastructure, ensuring reliable, round-the-clock electricity for the nation.

In a related move, the CCEA also approved Rs 7,000 crore investment by NLC India in its wholly-owned subsidiary, NLC India Renewables (NIRL). This exemption from the standard CPSE investment guidelines will enable NIRL to invest directly or through joint ventures in various green projects without prior approvals.