Balco defends Chinese power plant makers

Bharat Aluminium Co Ltd (Balco) has no problems with Chinese manufacturers of power equipment, its CEO Pramod Suri said, dismissing reports to the contrary. "A 1200mw power plant will be constructed by a Chinese company and it will be operational within 30 months," said Suri. The Central Electricity Authority, in a recent evaluation at Balco's Korba captive plant, where four 135mw Chinese units are in operation for over a year, had given a "generally satisfactory" feedback but voiced concerns over the quality of some parts and machinery. Suri said the Chinese have the best techniques. Chinese Sepco is setting up the power plant at Balco. Meanwhile, the foundation stone of a smelter will be soon laid in the presence of Anil Agarwal, chairman of Vedanta, Balco's parent. Suri said Balco is not facing any shortage of bauxite but the government should hand over the earmarked reserves to the company. Balco also expects to become self-sufficient in coal soon, he said.