H-share Beijing Datang Power Generation has forged an alliance with Aluminium Corp. of China (Chalco) for a power project in Shanxi province. The two parties have signed a memorandum of understanding which will see Beijing Datang build, own and operate the 675mw, coal-fired power plant. It will also lead to the conclusion of a power-purchase agreement under which the plant will supply electricity to Chalco over 25 years. The arrangement is aimed at feeding the energy consumption of Chalco’s new 280,000 tonne smelter expansion project. Yang Hongming, Beijing Datang executive director and chief operating officer, said: “Our strategic power supply alliance with Chalco will open up a new avenue of long-term growth prospect for Beijing Datang within and outside the north China power service region.” One of the largest independent power producers in the mainland, Beijing Datang supplies electricity primarily to the Beijing, Tianjin and Tanshan grid. The project is subject to the signing of a formal agreement.