Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Sahara embarks on Rs 22,000 cr power plant plans

Sahara India Power Corporation Limited, the subsidiary of Sahara India Pariwar's real estate company Sahara Prime City Limited signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of Orissa for setting up a 1320 MW (2 x 660) Coal Based Thermal Power Plant in Turla Tehsil of Balangir District, Orissa at an investment of about Rs.5604 Cr.

The MoU was signed by Mr. Pradeep Jena, Commissioner Cum Secretary - Power, on behalf of the Government of Orissa and Mr. Ashok K Bhargava, Chief Advisor and Head – Sahara Power Projects, in the presence of the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Orissa, Shri Naveen Patnaik and other distinguished dignitaries and officials.

To be built on an area of 1,500 acres, the Sahara Power's Turla plant is planned to commission its first Unit of 660 MW by February 2013 while the second unit of 660 MW is expected to be commissioned within 6 to 8 months thereafter. The plant is planned to be set up through Joint Venture Participation with Power Companies from different parts of the world.

Sahara India Power Corporation Limited will develop fuel based or non conventional power plants using the latest and emerging technologies. Sahara Power will set up a 5 MW Grid Interactive Solar Photo Voltaic Power Plant in Dhenkanal District of Orissa at an estimated investment of about Rs. 125 Cr. The Company has already received an in-principle approval from the Government of Orissa through M/s Orissa Renewable Energy Development Agency (OREDA).

Sahara Power has tied up with M/s Solar Integrated Technologies Inc. (SIT) USA, as its strategic partner for supply and installation of the required plant and equipment. In addition to this, Sahara Power is also planning to set up 25 MW of Wind Power projects in Orissa through a reputed Wind Energy Company which has already set up wind masts at 7 locations. The company plans to proceed with the project once it receives data, gathered by the masts in next 6 to 9 months.

Sahara India Power Corporation Limited has also proposed to set up a 2000 MW Coal based power plants in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh at an estimated investment of Rs. 8000 Cr. each.

On this occasion Mr. Ashok K Bhargava said, "We extend our sincere gratitude to the Government of Orissa for their kind support, cooperation extended to us at all levels of our efforts to initiate the power projects in the state. We are confident that our project will not only serve the Energy requirement of the state and the country but will also bring in all round integrated development in the region of Turla district."

Sahara India Pariwar, considered as one of the most socially responsible corporates of the country, has plans, along with the setting up of the Mega Power Plant, to contribute to the welfare of the people of the Balangir district. The group with the aim of improving the quality of life of the local populace will develop pucca roads in the projects vicinity, make provision for potable drinking water and will also set up primary health and education centre. The Power Plant and its related infrastructure shall further attract investment in the region by Corporate Houses and Entrepreneurs in the Manufacturing, Real Estate, Service Sectors etc. by setting up of establishments, amenities and facilities, including Ancillaries and SMEs.

Commenting on the signing of the MoU Mr. Sushanto Roy, Head – Infrastructure & Housing, Sahara Prime City Limited, said, "It is a moment of great pride for all of us at Sahara India Pariwar as we have joined hands to fulfill the power requirements of the nation. Power Sector also holds a huge business opportunity and we have forward integrated plans to be a major player in all the segments including power generation through conventional and renewable resources, power transmission & distribution, power trading, manufacturing of power equipments etc."

Notes to the Editor

• Sahara India Power Corporation Ltd is a 100% subsidiary of Sahara Prime City Limited, the real estate Company of Sahara India Pariwar.
• Sahara Prime City Limited has developed commercial and residential projects which includes townships, premium group housing projects, hospitals, hotels, among other projects.
• The flagship project of SPCL is 'Sahara City Homes', a chain of townships to be developed across 217 cities in India.
• The other projects of SPCL are 'Sahara Star', a luxurious 5 star Deluxe Hotel located near the Domestic Airport in Mumbai, and a 554 bedded Super Specialty, Multi-Disciplinary, Tertiary Care Sahara Hospital in Lucknow.
• Sahara Power was set up in 2001 with the aim to provide reliable and continuous power supply to 'Sahara City Homes'. Each project of Sahara City Homes will need 30 MW of dedicated power, aggregating over 6000 MW.

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