Who will invest in NPP Belene

How much will the Belene project? Why the state waives its share? Who and how will the new investors? These and a bunch of other issues do not descend on the agenda of government, parliamentarians, community and media.

What is the cost of the megaproject? Although initial estimates of 4 billion, the latest data consultants construction of nuclear power plant will cost nearly 10 billion euros. „Nobody knows now what will come of this construction project – and said Prime Minister Boyko Borisov. The government has a chance of „Belene“ Having decided to reduce state involvement and to attract foreign investors. Because the state reduced its stake? Ministers agree that the plant is not needed for Bulgaria to meet its domestic consumption. Therefore, the implementation of the project should be no financial commitments of the State in a crisis. The state share in megaproject is currently 51%, rest of Germany’s RWE, which was selected as a strategic investor in the project. „Until 30 September had to be clarified whether Bulgaria will finance 51 percent. It is already clear – no! – Economy Minister was categorical Traicho Traikov. – Now you can decide who and what package of shares will be entered into the project. From my perspective the ideal option would be to project financing. Once this project is profitable, you should find the relevant bank financing. „Who will fund Belene NPP? And no late news that Russia is prepared to grant a loan to Bulgaria for the construction of the AEC in the amount of 3.8 billion euros. It said the Russian deputy finance minister and his Bulgarian counterpart Simeon Diankov during a meeting in Istanbul. Bulgaria can not afford such a loan in times of crisis, because „the assumption of guarantees it will lower the rating of the country and dealt a blow on our economy,“ commented Minister Diankov proposal. Who will invest in the project? Bulgaria more than a month trying to create interest of investors from third countries to buy part of the Bulgarian state participation in the project for Belene NPP. „Remains to be seen what are the potential investors and to assess what is best for the Bulgarian share price“ – said Deputy Prime Minister Simeon Diankov as the news said that two investment companies are highly interested to apply before the deadline in November 30 percent of the project, which the state plans to offer. Interest to buy all or part of it has so far only Russia stated officially. Russian energy minister Sergei Shmatko days ago confirmed Moscow’s willingness to participate in the Belene nuclear power plant and as an investor. Regarding concerns that the state would be able to oversee the project with the minimum share ownership Traykov Minister explained that this is a question of the terms set out in the shareholders’ agreement, whether the state will hold 10, 20 or 30 percent. „It is what rights we want to keep for themselves, „Economy Minister stressed. „Whatever has to share the country, its interest must be adequately protected – citing Traicho Traikov. – Not necessarily this share is 51 percent, but all important decisions must be taken with the participation of darzhavata.Kakav share exactly guarantees us this right will be the task of the consultant. „According to Finance Minister Simeon Dyankov, Bulgaria intends to reduce its participation in the project from 51 percent to 30 percent, which would allow it to keep blocking quota in the company. Thus the country will continue to be a regulator to manage risks such as earthquakes or to supervise the disposal of waste from the plant.

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Tanya Harizanova