NLC India Ltd
NSE:NLCINDIA

Watchlist Manager
NLC India Ltd Logo
NLC India Ltd
NSE:NLCINDIA
Watchlist
Price: 261.35 INR 3.3% Market Closed
Market Cap: 362.4B INR
Have any thoughts about
NLC India Ltd?
Write Note

Earnings Call Analysis

Q3-2024 Analysis
NLC India Ltd

NLC India Reports Strong Growth in Q3 FY24

In Q3 FY24, NLC India achieved a significant milestone, synchronizing unit 1 of its Ghatampur Thermal Power Station with the grid and receiving a 13-star rating for its mines, the highest in the country for two consecutive years. Capital expenditure exceeded the annual target by 21%, reaching INR 3,493 crores. Coal and lignite production saw mixed trends with coal up to 82.19 lakh metric tonnes from 75.52 lakh in the previous year, while lignite production decreased slightly. Notably, the standalone profit after tax soared to INR 1,673 crores, a 253% increase, and EBITDA grew by 87% to INR 4,137 crores. Furthermore, the consolidated group's profit after tax rose by 197% to INR 1,754 crores.

NLC India Limited Showcases Strong Growth and Expansive Green Energy Aspirations

NLC India Limited, under the guidance of Chairman and Managing Director Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, shared a comprehensive update during their investor conference call. Reflecting on the financials, the company reported an impressive increase in Profit After Tax (PAT) for the 9 months ending 31st December 2023, which soared to INR 1,673 crores from INR 474 crores in the previous year, marking a 253% growth. Profit Before Tax (PBT) too surged by 352%, indicating healthy profitability and operational efficiency.

Investments in Capacity and Infrastructure Fuel Prosperity

NLCIL announced significant capital expenditure, overshooting their annual target by 21% with an investment of INR 3,493 crores. This investment is aimed at expanding the capacity and enhancing their infrastructure, such as the Ghatampur Thermal Power Station's synchronization with the grid and various EPC contracts awarded for future projects.

Diverse Energy Portfolio Mitigating Risks

Balancing the energy mix, NLCIL has invested in renewable initiatives. They have formed a subsidiary, NIGEL, for green projects, and are targeting to amplify their renewable capacity from 1.4 gigawatts to an ambitious 6 gigawatts by 2030. Already 2 gigawatts of solar projects are in the pipeline in Gujarat and Rajasthan, signaling NLCIL's commitment to a sustainable energy future.

Operational Challenges Tackled with Strategic Approaches

The company faced under recoveries totaling INR 711 crores, a significant increase from the previous year's INR 342 crores, mainly due to technical problems and lignite shortages at their power stations. However, with a two-pronged approach focusing on short-term and long-term strategies, such as improvements in plant availability and reliability, they expect to lower the under recoveries to around INR 550 crores to INR 600 crores by the year-end.

Forthcoming Regulatory Approvals Expected to Bolster Earnings

Anticipation is high for the final tariff order from the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), which could significantly impact NLCIL's recovery rates from certain power plants if approved as drafted, potentially adding approximately INR 200 crores directly to their profit after tax.

Blueprint for Exponential Growth

Mapping out their future, NLCIL is confident about achieving a production target of 16 million metric tonnes by FY '25-'26. The coal block at Pachwara is scheduled to start production by June '24, aligning with the Ghatampur project's progress. Additionally, with the acquisition of the North Dhadu coal block and participation in the Machakata mine bidding, NLCIL is on a strategic path to emerge as a 100 million metric tonne company by 2030.

Financial Fluidity and Stability

On the financial front, NLCIL has navigated through challenges like under recoveries on certain projects but has maintained a positive outlook, with management expressing confidence in reducing these figures and reinforcing profitability going forward. The increased profit is attributed mainly to favorable orders for lignite transfer prices, even as they anticipate a reduction in under recoveries in the coming quarter.

Earnings Call Transcript

Earnings Call Transcript
2024-Q3

from 0
Operator

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I'm Pelcia, moderator for the conference call. Welcome to NLC India Q3 FY '24 Earnings Conference Call. [Operator Instructions] Please note this conference is recorded.

I would now like to hand over the floor to Mr. Mohit Kumar from ICICI Securities Limited. Thank you, and over to you, sir.

M
Mohit Kumar
analyst

Thanks, Pelcia. Good evening. On behalf of ICICI Securities, I would like to welcome you all to the Q3 FY '24 earnings call of NLC India. Today, we have with us Shri M. Prasanna Kumar, Chairman and Managing Director; Shri K. Mohan Reddy, Director, Planning and Projects; Dr. Suresh Chandra Suman, Director, Mines; Shri Samir Swarup, Director, Human Resources; Shri M. Venkatachalam, Director, Power; Dr. Prasanna Kumar Acharya, Director, Finance; and Shri Naman Lahoti, Consultant, DIPAM. The call will begin with brief remarks by the management, after which we'll open the lines for the Q&A.

I would now like to hand over the line to CMD sir for your opening remarks. Thank you, and over to you, sir.

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

Thank you, Mohitji. Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you very much, Mohitji, for hosting this investors conference call, and greetings to all the participants for showing interest in NLCIL and thanks to all the investors for extending the continued support.

I would like to take this as an opportunity to interact with the NLCIL's shareholders and all reply to their queries in the financial results for the 9 months ended 31st December 2023, and company's capacity addition program of NLCIL. I am Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, Chairman and Managing Director of NLC India Limited. And joining with me today are Shri K. Mohan Reddy, Director, Planning and Projects; Dr. Suresh Chandra Suman, Director, Mines; Shri Samir Swarup, Director of Human Resources; Shri M. Venkatachalam, Director, Power; and Dr. Prasanna Kumar Acharya, Director of Finance, along with share management of the company.

Before the interaction, I would like to brief on the highlights and performance of NLCIL during the third quarter and 9 months ended 31st December 2023. Unit 1 of Ghatampur Thermal Power Station was successfully synchronized with the grid on 4th November 2023. NLCIL Mines has been awarded with 13-star rating by Ministry of Coal on 20th December 2023, with NLC Mines rated as the Best Mines in the country consistently for two years.

We awarded EPC contract to BHEL for setting up of 3x800 MW pit-head ultra supercritical Talabira Thermal Power project on 12th January 2024. On 3rd February 2024, Honorable Prime Minister has laid foundation stone for 3x800 MW pit-head ultra supercritical Talabira Thermal Power Project. On 5th December 2023, NTPL commenced biomass co-firing in its coal based power station.

15% interim dividend was declared for the financial year '23, '24. CapEx achieved till January '24 is INR 3,493 crores against annual target of INR 2,880 crores, that is 21% more than the annual target. NLCIL incorporated a newly wholly owned subsidiary NLC India Green Energy Limited, “NIGEL”, to undertake green projects and initiatives.

Coming to the digital performance, stand-alone. The coal production during the 9 months period ended 31st December 2023 is 82.19 lakh metric tonne, against 75.52-lakh metric tonne in the corresponding period of the previous year. Lignite production during the 9 months ended 31st December '23 is 162.83 lakh metric tonne against 172.09 lakh metric tonne in the corresponding period of the previous year. Stand-alone power generation during the 9 months ended 31st December '23 is around 15.5 BU against 18.2 BU in the last financial year.

Consolidated. The consolidated power export during the 9 months ended 31 December 2023 is 17.3 BU as against 20.1 BU in the corresponding period of previous year.

Coming to the financial performance, stand-alone. The profit after tax for the 9 months ended 31st December 2023 is INR 1,673 crores as against INR 474 crores in the corresponding period of the previous year, registering a growth of 253%. Profit before tax for the 9 months ended 31st December 2023 is INR 2,566 crores against INR 568 crores in the corresponding period last year, registering a growth of 352%. The EBITDA of the company for the 9 months ended 31st December 2023 is INR 4,137 crores as against INR 2,212 crores in the corresponding period of the previous year, registering a growth of 87%.

Coming to the consolidated performance, profit after tax of the group for 9 months ended 31/12/2023 is INR 1,754 crores as against INR 590 crores in the corresponding period of the previous year, registering a growth of 197%. Profit before tax for the group for the 9 months ended 31/12/2023 is INR 2,763 crores as against INR 799 crores in the corresponding period of the previous year, registering a growth of 240%. Thank you.

Operator

Shall I open the line for questions, sir?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

Yes, madam.

Operator

Ladies and gentlemen, we will now begin the question and answer session. [Operator Instructions] First question comes from [ Avneet Anand ] from 3B Investment Managers.

U
Unknown Analyst

So sir, the first question is, can you let us know the 9-month coal financials, sales and EBITDA and PBT for the coal part?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

During the first 9 months of the financial year, the coal production is 82.19 lakh metric tonne against last year's production of 75.52 lakh metric tonne with an impressive growth. And coming to the financials, the coal sale through e-auction is 24.87-lakh metric tonne. Coal sale to NTPC is 28.55 lakh metric tonne and coal sale to NTPC per swapping is 13.77 lakh metric tonne and coal sales to NTPL is 15.7 lakh metric tonne, total 82.89 metric tonne. And the sale value, including the royalties and CRP revision, everything is INR 1,410 crores against the last year's sale value, including royalties of...

Operator

Hello, sir? [ Avneet ] sir, just a moment, sir. Dear participants, kindly stay connected while we connect the management team back on the call.

I welcome back the Chairperson. Please go ahead, sir. [ Avneet ] sir, please go ahead with your questions.

U
Unknown Analyst

Yes, sir, you had talked about the sales for last 9 months...

Operator

I'm sorry, just a moment, sir. I welcome back the management. Please go ahead, sir.

U
Unknown Analyst

Yes, sir, you talked about sales of INR 1,410 crores for the 9 months this year for the coal. What was the number for last year in EBITDA and PBT, sir?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

If you take EBITDA, the last financial year up to Q3, it was INR 262 crores whereas up to -- in the current financial year, it is INR 636 crores. And coming to the PBT last financial year, the PBT was INR 481 crores, and this financial year, it is INR 600 crores.

U
Unknown Analyst

Last year, PBT was higher than EBITDA?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

It was INR 481 crores last financial year, up to Q3. And this year, it is INR 600 crores till Q3.

U
Unknown Analyst

No, just clarifying on the EBITDA number that you talked. This year, INR 636 crores, last year, INR 262 crores.

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

Last year, the entire year, the EBITDA was INR 721 crores.

U
Unknown Analyst

Okay. And last year, 9 months sales, how much it was, sir?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

Last year, sales?

U
Unknown Analyst

9 months sales? Yes.

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

9 months sale, last year, it was INR 1,382 crores. Whereas this year, total sales is INR 1,451 crores.

U
Unknown Analyst

Okay, sir. The other question I had is in terms of under recovery, if you can let us know what is the total under recovery for 9 months and on what -- how much on -- what are the plant-wise or coal wise?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

This financial year, the under recovery for NLCIL power stations is INR 569 crores, against last year's INR 342 crores. And if you take NTPL also into consideration, the total under recovery is INR 711 crores this year compared to INR 386 crores last year.

U
Unknown Analyst

So indirectly, the numbers, the profit number that sees higher, actually, on an adjusted basis, those numbers would be lower, right, sir? Because the under-recoveries have gone up and no -- not much incremental capacity is added. So have you guys worked on the adjusted profit for the year, sir?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

Yes. The increase in profit is mainly on account of favorable orders for lignite transfer price. And compared to the quarter 1 and quarter 2, the performance in quarter 3 is better and the under recoveries are reducing. And going forward in quarter 4 also, it will further reduce and we are expecting that by the year-end, we'll be substantially reducing the under recoveries.

U
Unknown Analyst

So year-end, what you are expecting? Under recoveries, which is INR 711 crores right now?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

It is INR 711 crores, we are expecting around INR 550 crores to INR 600 crores.

U
Unknown Analyst

Those were my questions.

Operator

Thank you. Next question comes from [ Gaurav Lohia ] from Bowhead India Fund.

U
Unknown Analyst

Just wanted to understand on the lignite production, etc., it still remains subpar as to what we were targeting earlier. So could you please highlight, is it because of the land issues? Or is there any other challenges that we are facing? And when do we expect it to normalize, sir?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

Okay. As you know, the lignite production in quarter 1 and quarter 2, that was affected because of the land acquisition issue. And in the quarter 3, with the support from the state government, central government and district administration, we could take into possession almost 558 hectares of land. And in the quarter 3 compared to the quarter 1 and 2, the lignite production is improved. And in the quarter 4, it further improved. And now whatever land we have taken into position, we started actions for augmenting the production.

Now, our lignite production reached more than 80,000 tonne per day level. And we are hopeful that next 45 days, we'll be able to maintain good production levels and reach the production level that we achieved in the last financial year. And the only issue is the land possession issue. Other than that, no other issues are there.

U
Unknown Analyst

Okay. So with this kind of productions at 80,000 tonne per day, would you be able to run your plants at full utilization level, especially TPS-II?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

As on date, we are having two units under the shutdown for want of lignite. At one point of time, it was 5 to 6 units. So with the increase in the production levels, we are going to take one more unit also into production. So we are hopeful that we will be able to maintain in the next 45 days, only around 150 to 200-megawatt loss in generation. Otherwise, we will be able to maintain the generation levels.

U
Unknown Analyst

So next financial year, you feel that this under recoveries can become zero, sir, because of the lignite related issues?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

100%. Because already we have taken land into possession and our augmentation of production already started. So we are 100% hopeful that for want of lignite, there will not be any under recovery or generation loss in the next financial year.

U
Unknown Analyst

And sir, in the TPS-II expansion, the CFBC boiler-related issue, when do you expect that to fully resolve by Q1 FY '25 or before that?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

I believe, we plan to take one unit for the modification activities, the major modification activities which we planned in the quarter 4 of this financial year. I think we will be able to take the modification and the almost last part of this financial year. Some supplies from BHEL are yet to happen because [indiscernible]. So once that is done, immediately, we will be taking one unit for modification. And in the quarter 1 of the next financial year, we'll be taking up the second unit also. I think with these modifications, we are hopeful that the availability and reliability will substantially be improved.

U
Unknown Analyst

Understood. And the under recovery guidance that you have given for the full year of INR 500 crores, INR 600 crores, this includes this modification related shutdown also, right?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

Yes, exactly. Almost INR 200 crores is on account of this TPS-II expansion.

U
Unknown Analyst

Understood. And sir, could you -- I missed the initial part. Could you just give us the status of the Ghatampur plant? It was supposed to get commissioned by the year end or January, but it has still not happened? So...

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

Okay. As we already oil synchronized unit number one and the subsequent activities of balance of plant are in fast progress. So we were initially targeting for the end of January, but the activities that are pending, now we are targeting for the POD of the unit by end of February or at most by middle of March. The unit #1 will be -- the POD will be declared by middle of March. And the Unit #2, we are expecting by around June '24 and July '24. And unit number #3 by September '24. So we are hopeful that by H1 of the next financial year, all the 3 units' commercial operation will be declared.

U
Unknown Analyst

And sir, considering the demand and the coal type that you have for this unit, can you run at full utilization in FY '26? You will have 6 months of -- okay. So FY '26, we can see the full production from Ghatampur, all 3 units.

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

Yes, yes.

U
Unknown Analyst

And sir, the last question is on the e-auction prices. What were the e-auction prices in Q3? And where are they hovering as of now?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

I believe, if we compare with the last financial year or before that, now the e-auction prices are comparatively lower. So in the current quarter, the average rate of e-auction coal is INR 1,780 per tonne against around INR 2,800 per tonne, that was in the last financial year. So it is comparatively lower than the last and before last year. But we increased our production levels of the coal. Last year, we produced 10 million metric tonne. And this year, we are targeting for 14 million metric tonne. So because of that, our revenue from the sale of coal, that is increased if you compare it with the last financial year.

U
Unknown Analyst

Yes. I saw the coal production data, which has been updated for January also. It's been pretty healthy, pretty good. It looks like that we will surpass our own production target for FY '24. So do you feel that you can do 1.5 million metric tonne next year in FY '25 or FY '26?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

FY '25, '26, our target is 16 million metric tonne.

U
Unknown Analyst

16 million metric tonne, sorry.

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

So we will be targeting 16 million metric tonne.

U
Unknown Analyst

Okay. And I meant, sir, e-auction prices for January, where are they hovering now? Last quarter, you said INR 1,780 per tonne. So have they further come down or they are hovering at the same level, INR 1,700-odd per tonne level?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

No, actually, the -- because of the coal scenario and power stations as well as the pit-head ultra mine, it is hovering around the INR 1,400 per tonne to around INR 1,600 per tonne. I was telling, in the month of January, it was -- January '24, it is INR 1,400 per tonne against the quarter 3 of INR 1,700 per tonne.

U
Unknown Analyst

Understood. Understood.

Operator

Next question comes from Rajesh Majumdar from B&K Securities.

R
Rajesh Majumdar
analyst

Sir, I actually, the data so far coming for TPS-II and TPS-II expansion is still not suggesting a major recovery in the PLF. So how confident are you that we will be able to minimize the under recoveries for Q4? That is my first question. So far, the data that we have till date, the PLF for TPS-II and TPS-II expansion is still pretty low. So I'm just wondering whether you've been able to do the -- reduce the under recoveries in such a short period of time [indiscernible] they were left at the end of the quarter? That was my first question.

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

Okay. Actually, as we already communicated during the last investor call also, we are adopting two strategies. One is the short-term strategy, and one is long-term strategy. In this short-term strategy, the minor modifications we carried out, that resulted in a minus improvement in the availability as well as the reliability in the quarter 3.

But as you rightly said, there is no substantial improvement in the performance. The substantial improvement in performance of these units will happen after completion of the modification in [indiscernible], which we are planning. So as I already told, we awarded the material supply contract -- material supply order to BHEL, and they supplied major portion of -- a major portion of the space.

Now we are expecting the supply of all the material in 1, 1.5 months. And after that, we will take one of the units for this major modification. Once we take this unit for the major modification, then only a substantial increase in the availability and reliability can be expected. So we are hoping that by Q1 of next financial year, one unit; and Q2 of the next financial year, the second unit, the major modifications will be completed and the availability and reliability will be substantially improved.

R
Rajesh Majumdar
analyst

Okay. Great. Sir, my second question was regarding Ghatampur, you've already given the details that you'll be able to start commercial generation by Feb '24 or March '24, latest. So when can we expect that unit one will be generating a normative kind of PF to be able to be an addition for a regulated equity? Is it like the first half of FY '25 or the second half?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

I believe, we are targeting for COD in the month of March. If you take the initial time to reach to that level, I think we are expecting from the quarter 2 of the next financial year, we'll be achieving the normative availability of the unit.

R
Rajesh Majumdar
analyst

And for units 2 and 3?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

Units 2 and 3, that we will be targeting unit 2 in the month of June. So in the quarter 3, I think we will start -- it will reach the normative level. And unit 3 in the quarter 4 -- unit 3 in quarter 4 -- later part of the quarter 4.

R
Rajesh Majumdar
analyst

So we'll be able to realize as per your guidance all the regulated equity additions in FY '25 itself on Ghatampur?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

We are hopeful about that.

R
Rajesh Majumdar
analyst

Okay. That's helpful. So that's very helpful. And sir, my last question was you didn't give any figure on the renewables capacity. What we are doing with the old capacities and how we are going to be increasing our capacities? Can you give us some color on the renewable side, please?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

See, as on date, we are having 1.4 gigawatt renewable capacity. And we formed one 100% owned subsidiary. NLC India Renewables Energy Limited and we are in the process of transferring this 1.4 gigawatt assets to NLC India Renewables Energy Limited. And consequently, the asset monetization will be done in line with the target given by Government of India.

So this 1.4 gigawatt, we want to take it to -- or aspiring to take it to 6 gigawatts by 2030. So already actions are in place for reaching more than 6 gigawatt level by 2030. Already, 2 gigawatt solar projects are already in pipeline, 600 megawatt in the state of Gujarat and 800 megawatt in the state of Rajasthan. And we are also doing a 50-megawatt -- we are also awarded 50-megawatt wind project in the state of Gujarat. So with all these things, we are hopeful that we will be reaching more than 60 gigawatt by 2030.

R
Rajesh Majumdar
analyst

Okay. And sir, what is the likely completion rate for the 600 megawatt and 800 megawatt, these two projects, Gujarat and Rajasthan?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

All these projects are having completion time of 12 to 15 months. So we are hopeful that by end of financial year '25, we will be able to complete all these projects within the pipeline, the 600 megawatt, 800 megawatt and 50 megawatt hybrid. All these projects, we will be able to complete by end of the financial year '24, '25. And we are also going for solar plant installation in the state of Assam. We already signed MoU with the state of Assam for establishing a 1,000-megawatt solar power station in the state of Assam. That also, we are taking it forward.

R
Rajesh Majumdar
analyst

Yes, I wanted to ask you about that. So is there any development in that? Any progress in that MoU?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

Yes, yes. We signed that MoU. And after, that the -- some land pockets were identified. And we have prepared the DPR for the 100 megawatt and the process of formation of JV company is going on. We are hopeful that we'll be able to do that by end of this financial year. And the JV will be formed and the 1,000 megawatt will be added through that JV.

R
Rajesh Majumdar
analyst

Okay. Sir, if I could [indiscernible] just one last small question. Are we doing anything regarding pumped hydro. Because when I had gone to your site, I remember there used to be a reservoir on top and you were planning some kind of pumped hydro project. So is there any progress on that?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

Exactly. As on date, NLCIL is taking almost all the green initiatives that are available in the country. In this regard, particularly the pump storage, the used mines are having the potential to establish pump storage plant. So we entered an MoU with WAPCOS for preparing the DPR -- feasibility report and DPR and that activity is going on. So we are hopeful that in the initial phase, 35 megawatt, and finally, around 200-megawatt pump storage potential is there in our used mainlands. So once that DPR is prepared, we will move forward for establishing the [ 3-pump ] storage plant.

Operator

Thank you. Next question comes from Nikhil Abhyankar from ICICI Securities.

N
Nikhil Abhyankar
analyst

My first question was, can you give us the split of the under-recovery because of mining and because of generation?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

Okay. So in mining, there is no under recovery. Whereas for generation, if we go to generation, station wise if we see, the majority of this under recovery is from TPS-II, Stage 2. That is mainly because of the lignite shortfall and the TPS-II expansion, that INR 186 crores, that's attributed to the technical problem and also the lignite shortage. So these are the major components of this INR 569 crores under recovery.

N
Nikhil Abhyankar
analyst

How much you mentioned for TPS-II, Stage 2?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

TPS-II, Stage 2 is INR 207 crores. And TPS-II expansion is INR 186 crores.

N
Nikhil Abhyankar
analyst

Sir, in the recently received draft tariff order, for TPS-II, the normative path has been reduced to 50%. So we are almost nearing that level. So should we expect complete 100% recovery from next year from TPS-II itself? TPS-II expansion?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

Yes, TPS-II expansion, we are expecting 100% recovery from next year onwards. Because [indiscernible] development.

N
Nikhil Abhyankar
analyst

So this will boost our PAT by INR 200 crores directly [indiscernible]?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

Yes, exactly.

N
Nikhil Abhyankar
analyst

Sir, do you expect any problems from the DISCOM on this move? Will there -- will it be challenged before we get the final tariff order?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

See, CERC, they got justified reasons for reducing it to the 55% level. So there is a provision for DISCOMs to contest that and we are hopeful that whatever point we have given, with that, this will be through in the final tariff order also.

N
Nikhil Abhyankar
analyst

Okay. So that is a major positive for us. Okay. So -- and sir, any views again on coal gasification? We heard it again in the budget, but will you -- do you believe that it will take off in FY '25?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

Yes. Actually, our coal gasification project is in advanced stage. We've gone for tendering. And we opened the price bid and further activities are going up. So we are hopeful that within next 4, 5 months, we'll be able to award this contract and take the activities forward.

N
Nikhil Abhyankar
analyst

Okay. And sir, can you give us the revenue EBITDA PAT for the 1.4 gigawatt operational RE projects?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

Okay. I think the PAT from RE projects, just one minute. The PAT from RE projects in the current financial year is -- or PBT -- PBT for the RE projects is INR 175 crores.

N
Nikhil Abhyankar
analyst

INR 175 crores.

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

Yes.

N
Nikhil Abhyankar
analyst

Okay. And if you can just mention the EBITDA level that you have?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

The EBITDA is up to quarter 3, the current financial year, it is INR 491 crores against last year's INR 394 crores.

N
Nikhil Abhyankar
analyst

Okay. INR 491 crores, was there a better PLF from any specific plant or something [indiscernible]?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

There is a slight improvement in the CUF. Different stations are having different CUF. But now there is a slight improvement in the CUF of the units.

N
Nikhil Abhyankar
analyst

Okay. Understood. Just two -- last questions, sir, that I have. Can you mention the value for the Talabira order that we have given to BHEL?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

Hello?

N
Nikhil Abhyankar
analyst

Yes.

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

Talabira?

N
Nikhil Abhyankar
analyst

Talabira EPC order that we have given to BHEL.

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

EPC contract?

N
Nikhil Abhyankar
analyst

EPC contract, yes.

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

This is INR 18,255 crores.

N
Nikhil Abhyankar
analyst

INR 18,255 crores.

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

For 3x800 megawatt. The greenfield power project.

N
Nikhil Abhyankar
analyst

And sir, there are no escalations in Ghatampur as on date?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

As on date, whatever escalation is there, that is already taken. Now, there will not be any other escalation. We are hoping that we'll be completing the project without any escalation.

Operator

[Operator Instructions] We have a follow-up question from [ Gaurav Lohia ] from Bowhead India Fund.

U
Unknown Analyst

Sir, what is the status of order for TPS-II second expansion of 660-megawatt of 2 units?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

Yes. That is already tenderized. That will be the first supercritical lignite-based power station in the country. So we are expecting some response. We are hopeful that we'll be getting some response and we will be able to conclude that.

U
Unknown Analyst

Would we be able to conclude it by this financial year end, sir?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

Yes, yes. But we are hopeful that we'll be able to conclude in the current financial year.

Operator

Thank you. We have a follow-up question from [ Avneet Anand ] from 3B Investment Managers.

U
Unknown Analyst

Yes. Just this Talabira order, INR 18,000 crores, does this include the GST part, sir?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

It includes everything. Including all taxes, it is INR 18,000 crores.

U
Unknown Analyst

Okay. And we are hearing that from competition, was it -- how many players were in the other party bid or didn't bid for it?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

No, basically, there was a participation by two parties, BHEL and L&T, two parties technically qualified. But only one party quoted and we opened the bid, evaluated it and awarded to BHEL.

U
Unknown Analyst

Okay. Okay. And sir, this under recovery, you did mention TPS-II phase -- TPS-II was INR 207 crores and INR 186 crores the expansion. So that's like INR 393 crores. So total is INR 569 crores, right sir?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

Yes.

U
Unknown Analyst

What is the other part?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

Other part is TPS-II, Stage 1, that is INR 112 crores. And minor amount in NNTPS, the TPS-I expansion, minor. INR 26 crores, INR 27 crores in TPS-I expansion in NNTPS.

U
Unknown Analyst

So why does NTPL, which is the other entity have -- I mean, under recovery to the tune of almost INR 150 crores in this 9 months? There's some issues with NTPL?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

INR 140 crores. That was mainly on account of some unfavorable weather conditions. The plant was down for almost more than one week to 10 days -- I think more than 10 days, because of heavy rains and floods that happened in the [ Tuticorin ] area. So that's why it is comparatively -- the under recovery is more. But I think we are hopeful that in the balance period of the financial year, we will be able to reduce that under recovery to substantial levels.

U
Unknown Analyst

Okay, sir. Those were my clarifications.

Operator

We have a follow-up question from Rajesh Majumdar from B&K Securities.

R
Rajesh Majumdar
analyst

Yes, sir, on the CERC paper, when is this paper likely to get finalized? Which are the revised PLF norms, etc.?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

Yes. I think there is no set timeline is there. I think, we are hopeful from 1st April, that will be implemented.

R
Rajesh Majumdar
analyst

Okay. 1st April. There is no disagreement on the same, right, when it will be implemented?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

Yes.

R
Rajesh Majumdar
analyst

Okay. Fine. And sir, I had two questions on the coal block. So first of all, when is Pachwara getting commercialized? And in the interim for Ghatampur, the coal will be supplied from the existing Talabira block, is that right?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

Actually, for Ghatampur, the connected mine is Pachwara. And Pachwara, we are targeting to start coal production by June '24. And from there, it will go to Ghatampur and all the activities are in fast progress.

R
Rajesh Majumdar
analyst

June '24, is it? Pachwara?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

Pardon?

R
Rajesh Majumdar
analyst

June '24, you said? Pachwara?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

June '24.

R
Rajesh Majumdar
analyst

Okay. Okay. So it will be more or less in line with the Ghatampur progress, is it? The entire [ 9 million tonne ] capacity? Or there will be some shortage?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

No. Even if there is some gap is there, we are already having the tie up for the start-up coal as well as we are having the bridge linkage from the Coal India subsidiaries. So even if some gap is there, we can take -- we will be taking coal from NCL. And subsequently, we will start production in Pachwara and operate Ghatampur with Pachwara coal?

R
Rajesh Majumdar
analyst

Okay, sir. And what is the status of the commercial blocks -- commercial coal blocks? When are they likely to get operationalized?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

We won the North Dhadu coal block on the commercial coal auction in the month of September. The time line for that is 55 months given by Government of India. But we are targeting to start the production at the earliest so that we can take advantage of the incentive that is given by government. So the geological -- the activities are in fast progress. The geological report is already submitted and is approved. So -- and subsequent actions are in fast progress. So we are hopeful that we'll be able to start production much before the 55 months target given by Government of India.

R
Rajesh Majumdar
analyst

What is the capacity of North Dhadu?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

Capacity of North Dhadu is 3 million metric tonne, but it has a potential to have more. So we are targeting for 4 million metric tonne per annum.

R
Rajesh Majumdar
analyst

Okay. And the rest, the other one?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

Which one?

R
Rajesh Majumdar
analyst

I understand there's a total of 15 million tonnes of commercial blocks that are available for our company over a period of time. So what about the other commercial blocks? Any progress on those?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

We want to become a 100 million metric tonne company by 2030. For that, one route we mentioned was -- through commercial action route, we'll be taking some mines. So in one commercial auction round, we got North Dhadu. And the next commercial actions we participated in for Machakata mine and the final outcome yet to come. We are the single bidders and the final order is yet to come.

Operator

[Operator Instructions] We have a followup question from [ Gaurav Lohia ] from Bowhead India Fund.

U
Unknown Analyst

Could you please give us an update on this CERC order for -- tariff order for 2009 to '14 and '14 to '19 period, which was remanded back to CERC from APTEL?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

See, whatever '09 to '14 and '14 to '19, whatever orders were sent by APTEL to CERC. We are hopeful that before March 31, all those things will be implemented by CERC.

U
Unknown Analyst

Before March 31?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

Before March 31, this financial year.

U
Unknown Analyst

Okay. So you will be writing back the equity part also before March 31 -- in the March 31 results, right?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

Yes. Whatever the outcome is there, that outcome we will be taking into March 31st results.

U
Unknown Analyst

And the cash flow connection, when would that happen, sir? Over the next 6 months from the order date?

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

No. Actually provision was already [indiscernible]. I think that will be implemented immediately.

U
Unknown Analyst

Yes, because Tamil Nadu is sitting on some [ 100 MW ] or some big number.

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

I think that will happen by end of the quarter 1 of the next financial year.

U
Unknown Analyst

By end of quarter 1. Okay, sir. Understood.

Operator

Thank you. [Operator Instructions] There are no further questions. Now, I hand over the floor to management for closing comments.

P
Prasanna Motupalli
executive

Thank you. Thank you very much. While thanking all the investors for the confidence shown on us, we expect the same going forward also. Thank you. Thanks a lot.

Operator

Thank you, sir. Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes your conference for today. Thank you for your participation and for using Door Sabha's Conference Call service. You may disconnect your lines now. Thank you, and have a good day.

All Transcripts

Back to Top