5 July 2006 - The London-based metals giant Vedanta Resources on Tuesday invited preliminary bids for setting up a 2400 MW nuclear power plant in India, despite the Indian government not having yet decided to allow private companies in the sector.

Vedanta, India's largest producer of copper and zinc, said it plans to award a contract to construct a 2400 MW nuclear power station on Build, Operate and Maintain basis.

The company has invited Expressions of Interest within 15 days from global firms having experience in building and maintaining nuclear power plants.

The company, however, did not give any details regarding the proposed power plant.

Vedanta said it was encouraged by the Government's policy changes in the nuclear sector and award of any contract would be subject to necessary approvals from the government.

Though the government is yet to open up the sector for private companies, many firms such as Tatas and Reliance Energy and government-owned NTPC have already evinced interest in entering the sector.

NTPC plans to set up a nuclear power plant by 2017 and has appointed consultants to advise it on the foray.

Vedanta Resources is the largest producer of captive power in India, with existing and gross generation under implementation capacity of over 3000 MW.