|
|
Two in the running for Belene stakeRWE and Electrabel have each made binding bids for a 49 per cent stake in Bulgaria's planned Belene nuclear plant. The two firms were shortlisted in March to help finance and operate the 2GW plant on the Danube. State-owned utility NEK, which retains majority control of Belene Power Company, will now negotiate with both groups. Sofia hopes to select a strategic investor by the end of 2008. Construction work on the long-delayed €4 billion plant is due to begin later this year, with the first of two 1GW reactors coming on line in January 2014. NEK has already appointed BNP Paribas to secure project funding. Elsewhere, the Helsinki-based Nordic Investment Bank presented a new energy-investment report to the Estonian and Finnish governments, which outlines the basis for a joint nuclear power plant construction initiative between the two countries. Finnish nuclear operator Fortum will soon take preparatory steps to decommission its ageing nuclear power plants in Loviisa. The operating licence for Loviisa 1 expires in 2027, and Loviisa 2's is due to lapse in 2030. The company is focused on nuclear new-build projects after 2012. "There may be room for up to three new nuclear power units in Finland to cater for growing consumer demand," said Fortum chief executive Mikael Lilius. Source: Utility Week © Faversham House Group Ltd 2008. News articles may be copied or forwarded
for individual use only. No other reproduction or distribution is permitted without prior written consent.
|
Highlighted Jobs |
|
|