Elsam to enter bid in Elektrownia Kozienice tender

Danish energy producer Elsam is likely to be the greatest surprise in the tender for the privatization of the Elektrownia Kozienice power plant. The date for filing preliminary bids has been set for November 12 by the Treasury Ministry. Due to ardent Sejm debate, as well as an excise on energy introduced in March, interest in the privatization of the energy sector is on the decrease and therefore only a few potential investors are expected to participate in the tender. Nevertheless, Elsam took everybody by surprise by expressing its interest in the tender, particularly as in Poland it is known only for wind-energy production. Elsam is the only player on the Danish energy market. While other Western European energy producers develop their activities outside their local markets, Elsam's power plants are all located in Denmark, which is said to be the cause of the company's search for more open markets. According to unofficial information, the Danish investor is inclined to locate its financial surpluses in Kozienice and is said to have at its disposal $200 million. It is also possible that, apart from the Danish company, Belgium's Electrabel and SNET of France intend to file bids. (Puls Biznesu, p. 4) A.Z.