The Procedure for Choosing a Strategic Investor in Belene NPP Starts

The state has launched the procedure for choosing a strategic investor in the Belene NPP project.

NEC is inviting investors to build the plant, the Ministry of Energy announced.

"The invitation also gives an opportunity to declare an interest in acquiring minority participation in the future project company as well as / or purchasing electricity from the future power plant The purpose of the invitation is to provide certain information to the countries wishing to participate in the procedure, "the agency adds.

In fact, the only interest in the project so far a strategic investor is China's National Nuclear Corporation.

The Bulgarian side will participate in the project company, which exploits the Belene NPP with an in-kind contribution of the assets, including the licensed site, the available equipment, the issued decisions, permissions, licenses and other documents related to the project, according to the energy department.

They argue that a number of conditions are laid down in the procedure in order to maximally protect the property interests of the Bulgarian side. The Bulgarian State, through NEK EAD, reserves the right to a blocking quota in decision-making on certain matters within the competence of the General Meeting of Shareholders of the project company. It is envisaged that the construction of the plant will be realized on a market principle, without concluding long-term contracts for the purchase of electricity by the state and providing state guarantees.

An application for participation in the procedure of selecting a strategic investor, respectively interest in acquiring minority shareholding in the project company, may be submitted by Bulgarian or foreign legal entities, as well as by associations. The time...