Areva, Astonfield Renewable Resources to Build Biomass Power Plants in India

French nuclear power group Areva and Astonfield Renewable Resources have agreed to form a strategic partnership to develop biomass power plants across India

French nuclear power group Areva and Astonfield Renewable Resources have agreed to form a strategic partnership to develop biomass power plants across India, producing a total output of 100MW at an estimated investment of approximately E100 million.

Areva and Astonfield Renewable Resources have said that the work on the first plant is scheduled to begin in the fourth 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.

Ameet Shah, co-chairman of Astonfield Renewable Resources, said: "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."

Anil Srivastava, CEO of Areva Renewables, said: "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."