Prishtina, 10 July 2009 – Heads of ministries and regulatory offices, institutional representatives and representatives of donors in Kosovo, along with local and international energy and mines sector experts met twice during this week to discuss on key points and draft-decisions pertaining to the process of providing investments for the implementation of the Thermal Power Plant New Kosova project.

The draft-decisions that are currently being discusses will specify modalities related to unit size and technology, power-plant capacity, development of the new mine, contracts and guarantees to be specified for project implementation through private investment, which is to be selected through a tendering procedure, from a list of four short-listed prequalified bidders.

Draft-decisions and recommendations were presented to Steering Committee members, to select the best solution for the development of Thermal Power Plant “New Kosova”. Draft-decisions are based on technical professional studies prepared by prestigeous companies, the results of the consultation process, as well as legal and financial analyses prepared by project consultants. The discussions also covered the proposals and concerns conveyed by the Kosovar society.

No decisions were adopted during these two meetings. The decision-making process to select the best option comprises of a number of steps. The current step includes preparation of decisions that will guide project advisors in finalizing tender documentation.

During the two days it was clarified that Thermal Power Plant “New Kosova” will be constructed in full conformity with EU environmental standards and will be lead by World Bank policies as regards social issues.

Meetings will continue throughout next week, when finalization of the guidelines of Project Steering Committee to the project consultants is expected, in order of facilitating a prompt preparation of the tender documentation.

Committee meetings are chaired by the Minister of Energy and Mines, Ms. Justina Shiroka Pula, and include participation of veto-right members such as Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning, Mr. Mahir Yagcilar, Chairman of the Board of Energy Regulatory Office, Mr. Ali Hamiti, Chairman of the Board of Independent Commission for Mines and Minerals, Mr. Naip Zeka as well as other Project Steering Committee members like the Minister of Economy and Finance, Mr. Ahmet Shala, Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, Mr. Nenad Rasic, Head of the Kosovo Privatization Agency, Mr. Dino Asanaj, while its sessions are also attended by representatives of the World Bank, USAID, European Commission, KfW, International Civilian Office, and other experts.