Reliance plans more UP-type power plants

Close on the heels of announcing its decision to set up a 3,500 mw gas-based power project in Uttar Pradesh, the Reliance group is weighing the option of setting up similar power plants in other states.

"We are in discussions with several states for setting up similar-sized power plants. We are yet to take decision on them. We thought the one in UP would be viable, so we announced it," said Anil D Ambani, vice chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries.

Despite the new project, group power arm BSES' (soon to be re-named Reliance Energy) proposed 3,900 mw coal-based power project in Hirma in Orissa is still under evaluation.

"Our primary concern is to offer the customer with the lowest possible tariff. So we are still evaluating what to do with the project at Hirma, though it has significant quality reserves nearby," Ambani said.

He said Reliance has the option to go ahead with the project on its own after the foreign co-promoters Mirant of the US exited.