Raipur: As many as 16 private power companies signed separate memorandum of understandings (MoU) with the Chhattisgarh government to set up thermal power plants in the state's coal-rich northern areas.

The companies will invest Rs.476 billion ($12.2 billion) in the energy sector to generate 11,730 MW. Addressing the investors, Chief Minister Raman Singh said that the state was fast emerging as the power hub of the country as it is all set to generate about 30,000 MW by 2011 from the present 1,700 MW.

Jindal Power Ltd will set up a 1,260 MW plant. Videocon, JSW, Jindal Thermal Power Co Ltd and Chambal Infrastructure will set up a 1,100 MW plant each.

Bhushan Energy, Adhunik Thermal Energy Ltd and Jain Energy Ltd will have a 1,000 MW plant each. Prakash Industries, KVK Energy and Infrastructure Ltd, Sona Power Ltd and Shyam Century Ferrous Ltd will set up a 600 MW plant each.

Surya Prakash Power and Singhal Energy will set up a 270 MW plant each. Spectrum Coal and Power Ltd will set up a 100 MW plant. K Energy Power Ltd will set up a 30 MW plant.

Source : IANS