Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment has been made of the economic benefits delivered as a result of the 540MW Adhunik Power and Natural Resources Ltd power project in Jharkhand which was funded from the Commonwealth Development Corporation.

CDC does not have a $100m investment in Adhunik Power and Natural Resources Limited. In 2008, CDC committed $100m to an investment fund (the India Infrastructure Fund) aimed at promoting development and economic prosperity by improving infrastructure in India. That fund has made multiple investments including the investment in Adhunik Power.

Adhunik Power has increased access to energy and economic growth by providing power to state electricity boards in the states of Jharkhand, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu where significant power shortages persist. At optimal capacity utilisation, the Adhunik plant produces sufficient power to cater to the needs of some 3.44 million people.

In addition to providing full time employment to 364 people, the project is also providing a range of social benefits to local communities, including the provision of safe water, school transport for children, an ambulance facility and support to computer literacy and self-help initiatives.