Reliance Power commissions first unit of Sasan UMPP

Reliance Power has commissioned the first 660 MW unit of its Sasan ultra mega power project (UMPP), in Madhya Pradesh.

The unit would start commercial operations or selling of electricity from the plant in the next 15 days.

This is Reliance Power's first UMPP with an estimated investment of over Rs 20,000 crore. The project was awarded to the company in 2007.

"The first 660 MW unit at the Sasan Ultra Mega Power Plant has been successfully synchronised on March 9, 2013," a company statement said.

The electricity generated from the project would be sold to 14 distribution companies across seven states benefiting an estimated 35 crore people, it added.

Coal production has already commenced from the Moher and Moher-Amlohri coal mines and Chhatrasal coal block has also received forest clearance and is under development.

The plant has also been connected to the National Grid, the company's statement added.

"I am confident that Sasan power project and coal mine would set new benchmarks in operational efficiency," J P Chalasani, the Chief Executive Officer of Reliance Power said.

The company is also executing two more UMPPs - Krishnapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) and Tilaiya (Jharkhand).

Shares of the Reliance Power were trading at Rs 75.55 apiece, up 0.53 per cent on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

With inputs from PTI