Possible announcement of tender for selection of strategic partner for construction of Steam Power Plant Kolubara B and new block in Steam Power Plant Nikola Tesla B prior to end of year 2008

(Kolubara B)

Tender for selection of strategic partner for development of Steam Power Plant "Kolubara B" and new block in Steam Power Plant "Nikola Tesla B" could be announced by the end of the year, says Petar Škundrić.

Minister of Energy and Mining of Serbia said that, if the Government of Serbia chose the finance model for development of two blocks of 350 MW each in Steam Power Plant "Kolubara B" and new block of 700 MW in TENT B, the Electric Power Company of Serbia would announce the tender for selection of strategic partner by the end of year 2008.

- If the National Infrastructure Council decides for this model of development, the tender will be announced by the end of the year - said Škundrić.

According to his words, the value of investment in Steam Power Plant "Kolubara B" is estimated to 900m - 1 billion EUR, while the investment in Steam Power Plant "Nikola Tesla B" amounts to 700 - 850m EUR.

He also reminded that the announcement of tender for selection of strategic partners for development of new blocks had been postponed since year 2006 although EPS had prepared all necessary documentation long time ago.

- That is why we need to re-examine that documentation - said Škundrić.

According to his words, the talks about final announcement of tender for these two steam power plants were also led with Russian Minister of Emergency Situations and President of the Interstate Committee for Cooperation between Serbia and Russia, Sergej Šojgu, because Russian companies are also interested in Serbia's power supply sector.

The interest in development of new power plants in Serbia was also expressed by some Western European and Chinese companies.