NHPC, pre-dominantly focussed on hydro power generation, has decided to explore the possibility of a tie-up with public sector power utilities such as Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and NTPC to make a foray into thermal power generation, including bidding jointly for a future ultra mega power project (UMPP).

Sources in the Power Ministry said that the NHPC board had recently granted approval for entering other modes of generation, including thermal, with a view to diversifying its business.