Indian power utility NTPC has signed a memorandum of understanding with BHEL for the latter to construct an 800 MW “technology demonstration plant” at NTPC’s existing power station in the state of Chhattisgarh, in a joint venture between the two companies. The plant is to utilise advanced ultra-supercritical technology, in what NTPC claims will be the “world’s most efficient and environmentally friendly coal-fired power plant”, with carbon dioxide emissions about 20% lower than those from sub-critical technology. NTPC sees the plant, with some justification, as being part of India’s effort to reduce its carbon emissions and meet the ‘nationally determined contribution’ pledge that the country made as part of the Paris Agreement on climate change (which is to reduce the carbon intensity of economic production by 33-35% from 2005 levels). It also believes that the project will help to produce spin-off technologies and further enhance technical know-how within India.