EPS, Russian Inter RAO ink protocol

Serbia's public power enterprise, EPS, and Russian electricity traders Inter RAO UES, today signed a cooperation protocol in Belgrade. The document envisages construction of new power production facilities in the country, reports say. EPS, Russian Inter RAO ink protocol EPS looked to build new thermal and hydro power plants, exchange information about perspective projects, and enter joint ventures in the third market, as it inked the protocol with Russia's major electricity import and export operator. The document was signed by Inter RAO General Director Yevgeny Dod and EPS Deputy General Director Dragan Tomic. Energy and Mining Minister Aleksandar Popovic, DSS, told B92 that the protocol represents yet another step toward the strengthening of contacts and further integration of EPS into the global network of power producers. But critics of the move, including daily Politika's Jasna Petrovic, say up to 17 successful companies were interested in signing a similar cooperation protocol with EPS, while Inter RAO is described as an unsuccessful bidder in Bulgarian and Macedonian tenders. Petrovic says that it remains unclear why EPS would sign a non-binding protocol, and suspects political reasons, such as "sending out a message during the election campaign that Russians are welcome in Serbia". The document has been posted on EPS' official website today. Dod, Tomic sign the protocol (FoNet)

EPS, Russian Inter RAO ink protocol

EPS looked to build new thermal and hydro power plants, exchange information about perspective projects, and enter joint ventures in the third market, as it inked the protocol with Russia's major electricity import and export operator.

The document was signed by Inter RAO General Director Yevgeny Dod and EPS Deputy General Director Dragan Tomić.

Energy and Mining Minister Aleksandar Popović, DSS, told B92 that the protocol represents yet another step toward the strengthening of contacts and further integration of EPS into the global network of power producers.

But critics of the move, including daily Politika's Jasna Petrović, say up to 17 successful companies were interested in signing a similar cooperation protocol with EPS, while Inter RAO is described as an unsuccessful bidder in Bulgarian and Macedonian tenders.

Petrović says that it remains unclear why EPS would sign a non-binding protocol, and suspects political reasons, such as "sending out a message during the election campaign that Russians are welcome in Serbia".

The document has been posted on EPS' official website today.