International Power plc is an independent power generation company. The Company is engaged in generation of electricity and provision of electrical capacity. It has interests in 33,211 megawatts (gross) of power generating capacity, located in 21 countries across five regions: North America, Europe, Middle East, Australia and Asia. Its principal activities are the development, acquisition and operation of power generation plants together with related activities, such as desalination, retail and district heating. The Company owns, or has equity stakes in, over 45 plants and some closely linked businesses located in 21 countries. Its portfolio contains technologies and fuel types with the exception of nuclear power. On December 16, 2008, the Company acquired a third of the equity of Tessenderlo Power. In October 2009, the Company acquired AIM PowerGen Corporation from Renewable Energy Generation Limited.