RPower's first UMPP at Sasan commissioned

New Delhi (PTI): Reliance Power announced that the first 660 MW unit of its Sasan ultra mega power project (UMPP), in Madhya Pradesh, has been commissioned. "The first unit with capacity of 660 MW at the Sasan UMPP has been successfully synchronised on March 9, 2013," a company said. The first unit would start commercial operations or selling of electricity from the plant in the next fortnight. This is Reliance Power's first UMPP with an estimated investment of over Rs 20,000 crore. The project was awarded to the company in 2007. The electricity generated from the project would be sold to 14 distribution companies across seven states benefiting an estimated 35 crore people, the statement said. "I am also confident that Sasan power project and coal mine would set new benchmarks in operational efficiency," J P Chalasani, CEO RPower said. Coal production has already commenced from the Moher and Moher-Amlohri coal mines and Chhatrasal coal block has also received forest clearance and is under development. The plant has also been connected to the National Grid, it added. Reliance Power is also executing two more UMPPs -- Krishnapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) and Tilaiya (Jharkhand).