AREVA, Astonfield to develop Indian biomass plants

AREVA and Astonfield have agreed to form a strategic partnership to develop biomass power plants across India. It is projected to produce a total output of 100 MW at an estimated investment of around US$142.5 million.

Work on the first plant is scheduled to begin in the last quarter of 2009 in the state of West Bengal.

Under the terms of the agreement, AREVA's Bioenergy unit in Chennai will be responsible for plant design, construction and commissioning. The group will also co-invest in these projects alongside Astonfield Renewable Resources Limited.

The agreement comes as part of AREVA's strategy to strengthen its renewable energy offer, particularly in India and South-East Asia.

"Astonfield's commitment to renewable energy involves bringing the world's best technology players to the table. AREVA is a reference in its field and we look forward to continuing this relationship through this and many future successful biomass projects in India," said Ameet Shah, Co-Chairman of Astonfield Renewable Resources Limited.

"AREVA currently has 100 bioenergy plants in operation or under construction worldwide, and will be putting all of its expertise behind a project of this magnitude," quipped Anil Srivastava, CEO of AREVA Renewables.