Anil Ambani hunts land for power plant

Anil Ambani-controlled power major Reliance Energy Ltd (REL) is scouting for land in Pune district for setting up a 1000 Mw gas-based power plant for an investment of around Rs 4,500 crore.

Speaking to Business Standard highly-placed sources in the Maharashtra government's energy ministry said, "REL has shown interest in setting up a plant either near Shirur on the Pune-Aurangabad highway or at Talegaon on the Pune-Mumbai expressway from where Reliance Industries Ltd's (RIL) Kakinada-Dhahej gas pipeline passes."

The Reliance Industries may also join the party and shown willingness to set up a 1,000 Mw plant in Pune district to cater to the needs of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) coming up in the adjoining Raigad district, sources added.

Considering that the land requirement of modern gas-based plant are moderate and 1,000 Mw plant can come up on 250 acres to 300 acres of land, we don't think land acquisition will be much of an issue, sources claimed.

However, when contacted, REL spokesman declined to comment on the development. But, RIL spokesman categorically said: "The company doesn't have any such plans as of now."