PLN selects qualified bidders for Cirebon coal-fired power plant project

State electricity firm PLN said on Friday it had selected qualified bidders to build and operate the proposed Cirebon 600 MW coal fired in West Java.

PLN director Ali Herman Ibrahim said tender committee had selected Itochu Corp., Mitsubishi Corp., Essar Indonesia, YTL Power, J Power, Marubeni Corp. Maser Sdn. Bhd., Astratel Nusantara, AES Transpower Pvt. Ltd, consortium that consists of Indonesia Power, Bakrie Power and Babcock& Brown and consortium of Intidaya and Genting Group.

Ali said that the qualified bidders were selected from 36 bidders that submitted documents in pre-qualification bid.

Ali said that the winner for the project is expected to be announced by the end of first quarter next year.

The winner of the tender will develop the power plant under the build, operate, own (BOO) 30-year contract with PLN.

According to Ali, the Cirebon power plant is expected to come on stream in 2008. The project is estimated to cost US$500 million.(godang)