More time given for Belene plant bid
04 October 2007
The deadline for intial bids for a 49 percent stake in a planned new nuclear power plant at Belene, Bulgaria has been extended, following requests from potential investors.
Bids were originally due to be submitted by October 1, but now more time is being given to potential investors to prepare the documentation required for the bid process.
Under the proposed arrangement for the joint venture, NETC will have a 51 percent interest in the plant. Companies that have been invited to bid include E.On, RWE, Cez, Edf and Electrabel.
NETC plans to pick a strategic partner by around the end of the year after negotiations with bidders. Russia's Atomstroyexport were contracted to built two twin 1,000-megawatt reactors Belene.
Meanwhile, the Kozloduy nuclear power plant has reported higher than projected output. The Kozloduy VVER-1000 plant produced more than 10.9 TWh of electricity during the first nine months of 2007, exceeding its target by more that 8 percent. Only units 5 and 6 remain in operation at Kozolduy. Units 1 and 2 were closed in 2003. Units 3 and 4 were closed as part of conditions placed on Bulgaria for joining the European Union.
Further information
AtomStroyExport
National Electricity Company (NEK)
WNN: Belene project seeks investors
WNN: Russian firm to complete Bulgarian plant