CLP Holdings is considering listing its India business, it might also bring in partners on future projects in India

Regional power utility CLP Holdings Ltd said on Monday that it will consider listing its India business to raise funds for further expansion there.

"Our Indian business may at some stage make demands on CLP Holdings' capital on a scale beyond what we are prepared to fund ourselves," CLP said in its 2011 annual report. "In due course, we will consider a local listing."

The company added that it was too early to provide an estimate on the timing or size of the possible listing.

The company also said it might bring in partners on future projects in India to ease capital commitments.

CLP, currently planning a listing of Australian unit TRUenergy, said operating earnings from India in 2011 totalled HK$154 million, compared to HK$141 million in 2010.

CLP entered the Indian market in 2002 with the acquisition of a majority stake in Gujarat Paguthan Energy Corp Pvt Ltd (GPEC), and assumed full ownership of the business in 2003.

Operating through wholly-owned CLP India Pvt Ltd, CLP Holdings' investments in India have totalled about 2,614 megawatts covering renewable energy, coal-fired and gas-fired generation.

GPEC's earnings rose to HK$391 million in 2011 from HK$247 million in 2010, CLP said, adding, however, that GPEC's short-term earnings outlook was clouded by uncertainty over supplies of natural gas.

CLP Holdings' net profit for 2011 fell 10 per cent year on year to HK$9.29 billion on an impairment loss for a coal-fired plant in Australia as a result of a new Australian carbon tax law.

Source :businessworld.in