The RPG group has earmarked an investment of Rs 12,000 crore (Rs 120 billion) for power and Rs 450 crore (Rs 4.50 billion) for carbon black as two of its thrust business focus areas over the next 2-3 years.
"We plan to invest Rs 12,000 crore in our power business of which we have already committed Rs 2,000 crore (Rs 20 billion)," RPG Enterprises' chairman Harsh Goenka said.
A Rs 450-crore investment has been earmarked for its carbon black business where it is the leader in India and ranks amongst the top 10 players in the world. Two more facilities are to be added to its already existing three carbon black plants in the country.
The group plans to set up a 2,000 MW thermal power plant and has identified three states where it is assessing the project's prospects.
"We are looking at West Bengal, Jharkhand and Orissa and our decision will be based on availability of coal. Coal-linkages are very important for our project," Goenka said.
Asked whether the group was considering a gas-based power project, he said non-availability of gas precluded such a project. "I would love to set up a gas-based project, but then, where is the gas?" he asked.
The group was also expanding capacity at its CESC plant whose efficiency, he said, had reached new highs since the group took it over.
"We have reduced transmission and distribution losses from 22 per cent to 13 per cent and enhanced its capacity. Its plant load factor (PLF) is very high and the work-force highly-motivated," Goenka said.
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