Big energy players likely picks for Belchatow power plant

U.S.-based Entergy, Germany's RWE and E.ON and Electricite de France are thought to be the most probable investors in state-controlled energy giant Belchatow power plant, according to the daily Puls Biznesu. The Treasury Ministry is expected to invite these foreign players to negotiations to buy a 35% stake in the plant, which produces nearly 20% of all electricity in Poland, after the ministry has approved a privatization strategy. The future owners will be required to invest zl.6.5 billion over a 10-year period in its operations, with over half of this amount to be used for the construction of a new energy production complex. Belchatow's management also plans to put the money generated through the sale toward modernizing the plant's existing infrastructure, an overhaul estimated to cost approximately $700 million. (Puls Biznesu, p.4) M.K.