Lignite Power Technical Assistance Project

The process of selecting the Investor for the Project began in the latter part of 2006 and will continue throughout 2007.  It is currently planned that the process will ultimately be implemented by the LPTAP Transaction Advisor and other Advisor teams, overseen by the Project Steering Committee.In October, 2006, an Investors’ Conference was held in Pristina.  This Conference allowed interested parties an opportunity to learn about the potential for the Project, as well as the ongoing development of the relevant legal and regulatory framework within Kosova, and the relevant participants in the energy sector.  Following the high level of interest shown by parties at the Investors’ Conference, a formal Expression of Interest was published, and a “Pre-Qualification Memorandum” containing, inter alia, a set of criteria defining the minimum levels of technical and operating experience required to participate in the project.Going forward, the PSC, together with its Transaction Advisor and other Advisors, will develop a “Request for Proposal” (RFP) document which will form the basis for competitive bids among the various bidders who have been determined to meet the pre-qualification criteria and / or other stages of the process as yet to be defined by the PSC as advised by its Advisors.  Once the preferred bidder is selected in response to the RFP, a process of negotiations will commence which, if successful, will result in a an agreed plan and contract for Project implementation.