High number of bidders delays PKE tender deadline for new power block

Polish power concern Poludniowy Koncern Energetyczny (PKE) has delayed the deadline for a zl. 2 billion tender for a contractor to build a power block at the Lagisza Power Plant in Bedzin. The list of potential contractors will be revealed on February 28 instead of January 31, due to the unexpectedly high amount of international and domestic companies interested in the tender. A decision on the tender will be made by mid-year. The ideal contractor is to propose modern technological solutions to problems relating to generation of energy, including the possibility of coal-gas transfer for the new 460 megawatt power block. One condition of the tender is that two local companies are to be sub-contractors. The construction of the block is planned for the end of 2002 with a starting date around 2005 or 2006. PKE Chairman Jan Krup is certain that financing for the deal can be found, as the concern had zl. 60 million in net profits and zl. 3.2 billion in revenue last year. With a 17% share of the market, PKE is the largest domestic power producer. (Puls Biznesu, p. 11) M.T.