The three contractors selected to continue negotiations are a consortium formed of Japanese Itochu and South Korea’s Hyundai, Greek construction company Metka and Germany’s Siemens, Vimetco said in a statement.
Negotiations are slated for completion by the end of May, it added.
Four other companies filed bids to build the Alum power plant in Tulcea, namely China Huadian Engineering, China National Electric Engineering, Minmetals Engineering Co. Ltd., and Sinohydro.
The 250 MW cogeneration plant is developed by Vimetco Power Romania, part of Vimetco Group. The project, valued at EUR276 million, could benefit from financial support from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development as well as commercial banks.
The power plant will supply alumina producer Alum S.A. and aluminum smelter Alro Slatina (ALR.RO), both controlled by Vimetco, while also providing electricity to the town of Tulcea.