Moscow ready to buy „Belene“

The question of the value of the construction of Belene NPP has not yet been resolved, said Russian Energy Minister Sergei Shmatko, quoted by ITAR-TASS quoted by BTA.

According to the Russian minister, who arrived Thursday on a visit to Bulgaria, the public expression estimates the project cost associated with evaluations of similar facilities in the world. These estimates, however, are different and the cost of 10 billion euros it has no direct relation to the value of the project, „we have other estimates,“ he said. Shmatko stressed that the final price for the construction of nuclear power plant in Bulgaria „will depend on the owner’s cost and sources of funding, so the final value will be calculated after the determination of financial schemes and rates of credit resources.
„The faster you sit on the negotiating table and resolve the issues of financing, the faster will determine the cost of the project,“ added the Russian minister.
He also said that Moscow may acquire stake in Belene NPP in Bulgaria, cited by RBK.
„We heard the position of the Government of Bulgaria, which can sell its share (51%) in power. We are interested in this kind of proposal because such investors are interested in cost control,“ said Shmatko.
He did not specify what percentage of shares and through which public companies can be purchased.
Shmatko will talk with the line Minister and the Prime Minister will discuss three major joint projects – the construction of South Stream gas pipeline, the Burgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline, and continue the construction of Belene NPP.
„By order of Prime Minister Putin, both with the head of Rosatom (Sergei Kiriyenko – note b.) departing for Bulgaria. We hope to find arguments to allow the Bulgarian leaders to build a positive attitude towards energy projects in Russia“ assured the Russian minister.
„There is no doubt that implementation of these projects will allow Bulgaria to become an energy hub in Southern Europe and a powerful transit node“, he stressed, highlighting that „the leadership of Bulgaria, which is oriented towards long-term and perspective development of this country must To understand this, „said Shmatko.
Meanwhile it became clear that Romania will choose the location for its second nuclear power plant in early 2010, but will keep the decision secret because of possible protests.
The decision must be taken in January or February 2010, „said general manager of the Romanian energy company“ Nuclearelectrica „, AFP reported. We considered three options, according Aleksndru Sandulescu, director of energy policy at the Ministry of Economy.

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