GDF quits race to develop 2,000MW coal-fired power plant

French electricity firm GDF Suez` pulled out from 4-company consortium that bids to develop 2,000-MW super-critical coal-fired power plant in Pemalang, Central Java, an official with IDX-listed mining giant PT Adaro Energy Tbk said on Wednesday.

Corporate Affairs Director Andre Mamuaya did not disclose why the French firm pulled out of consortium. ?With GDF pulling out there are only three members in the consortium; Adaro Energy, (Japan?s) J-Power and Itochu Corp.,? he said, adding that the winner for Pemalang power plant- which will be developed under Independent Power Producer (IPP) scheme- might be announced by state electricity frim PT PLN (Persero) this month.

PLN has short-listed 7 companies which have been declared qualified to compete in the bidding. They are: 1. China Shenhua Energy Company Limited, (2) CNTIC ? Guandong Yudean Consortium, (3) GDF Suez - J Power Consortium, (4) Korea Electric Power Company (KEPCO), (5) Marubeni Corporation, (6) Mitsubishi Corporation, (7) Mitsui-International Power Consortium. (giok)