Emami Biotech to take up plantation project in Ethiopia

Emami Biotech intends to invest Rs 400 crore in a plantation project in Oromia, Ethiopia, within five to six years. The company is planning to take up plantation of jatropha, bio-fuel crop and other edible and non-edible seeds on 1,00,000 acre and has already acquired 27,500 acre. Initially, the company is likely to invest Rs 120 crore. Mott McDonald has been roped in to conduct a feasibility study for the project. The proposed plantation project is expected to have debt-equity ratio of 30:70. Currently, the company is holding talks with State Bank of India, Exim Bank and Bank of Baroda for term loan. The entire oil produce will be transported to Emami's Haldia plant in West Bengal, for refining.

SJVNL to double capacity of Nepal hydel project

Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd (SJVNL) is mulling to almost double the generation capacity of its 402 MW Arun-III hydro electric project coming up on Arun river valley in Nepal to 800 MW. The move is a part of SJVNL's plan to expand its generation capacity ahead of the proposed 10 per cent stake sale by the Union Government in the company.

Earlier the cost of setting up the project had been estimated to be over Rs 4,000 crore. This cost may go up by 30-40 per cent because of the upgradation. The power generated from the project is to be evacuated by a 430 km, 220-kV doublecircuit power transmission line to Kathmandu via Duhabi and Dhalkebar.

The project work also includes construction of a 68 mtrs high dam and a 117 km highway. According to sources, SJVNL is in the final stages of preparing the DPR and construction of the project is likely to begin in two years.

NTPC mulls power plants in Nigeria, Sri Lanka

NTPC is expected to set up power plants in Nigeria and Sri Lanka. NTPC has initiated talks with the Federal Government of Nigeria for setting up coal and gas based power plants in Nigeria and sourcing of gas for its plants in India.

According to sources, two 250 MW coal based power plants in Trincomalee region in Sri Lanka are to be set up for which site is being identified. NTPC is in the process of forming a JV company called Ceylon Electricity Company.

Apollo inaugurates hospital in Mauritius

Chennai based Apollo Hospitals Group has inaugurated its Apollo Bramwell facility on 20 August 2009 in Mauritius. The multi-speciality hospital has been set up at an investment of $70 million (approx Rs 343 crore). Apollo Bramwell is a JV between the Apollo Group and British American Investment Company.

The hospital with 220-bed capacity has a built-up area of 237,000 sq ft. The hospital is expected to provide various specialised healthcare services in cardiology, neurology, nephrology and cosmetic surgery, apart from traditional therapies like ayurveda, acupuncture, aromatherapy and music therapy.

Union Government mulls 6,000 MW power project in Iran

The Union Government is reportedly mulling to set up a 6,000 MW gas based power plant in Iran along with a 1,500 km high voltage transmission link to carry power to India. The project is likely to cost about $10 billion (approx Rs 49,000 crore). It is proposed that out of the total power generated, 5,000 MW may be transmitted to India and balance 1,000 MW may be transmitted to Pakistan.

PGCIL is working out the financial and technical details for setting up a project whereas NTPC may be appointed to build the project.

NALCO's overseas projects delayed due to policy issues

National Aluminium Company's (NALCO) greenfield projects in Indonesia and Iran are in a limbo because of political and policy hurdles in those countries. According to sources, the policies of the Indonesia government and a volatile political situation in Iran are keeping NALCO from setting up its plants entailing an estimated investment of over Rs 20,000 crore.

Though, the Indonesian law does not allow foreign companies to have a stake in mineral exploration, the NALCO project will be developed in a JV with a local partner who will have the control of the rights of coal and bauxite mines.

The company hopes to go ahead with the projects which are to cost Rs 10,000 crore each, only after there is assurance of the right of some control on the minerals. The company is expected to be the majority shareholder and control the management of the projects as well.