HEP launches process of selecting strategic partner for Plomin C

The power utility company HEP on Tuesday launched the process of selecting a strategic partner for the construction of the Plomin C coal-fired thermoelectric power plant, an investment worth EUR800 million. The selection process will be completed in the first quarter of 2013 and the project is expected to be completed between 2015 and 2017.

With the announcement of the process of selecting a strategic partner, the construction of the 500 megawatt plant, the biggest energy facility in Croatia, is officially launched, HEP management board president Zlatko Koracevic told a news conference.

First Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Radimir Cacic said the construction of Plomin C was in Croatia's state interest. Cacic reiterated on several occasions that one of the most important criteria in selecting a strategic partner would be the highest level of technology which guarantees the highest level of environment protection.

Cacic confirmed that the plant would most definitely be coal-fired and that the idea of having the plant run on gas was definitely abandoned.

Asked if Slovenia has voiced its opinion about the project, HEP officials said Slovenia voiced its positive opinion in principle, adding that Croatia also expected an official positive opinion from Ljubljana.

Fifty percent of the EUR800 million project will be financed by HEP and the other 50 percent will be financed by a strategic partner. (Hina)