Seven companies are interested in building the cogeneration thermal power plant of 250 MW based in Tulcea, owned by Vimetco NV, according to a release of aluminium producer Alum Tulcea (299 km east of Bucharest).

The companies interested in this project are China Huadian Engineering, China National Electric Engineering, Consortium of Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co. Ltd. Korea (HDEC) and Itochu Corporation & Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co. Ltd. (ITOCHU), Metka S.A., Minmetals Engineering Co. Ltd., Siemens and Sinohydro Corporation Limited.

Vimetco Power Romania will analyze the seven bids, taking into account key elements for the project's success and examining the technical and economic competence. The company might announce the winner of the tender by the end of 2012 first quarter.

Vimetco Power Romania, member of Vimetco Group, will draw up the project for building Alum Tulcea heating power plant, relying on the financial support provided by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and several commercial banks.

The feasibility study was conducted by Tractebel Engineering.

'In the operational zone, we have combined the extraction with the aluminium production, being able to sharply reduce costs and also to provide Alro Slatina with raw materials. We are decided to ensure the necessary of raw materials, including electric energy in order to be able to continue the development plans for Romania and to reinforce the local production of aluminium,' CEO Vimetco and Alum Managing Director Gheorghe Dobra said.

In the first half of 2011, Alum took over the bauxite mining operations from Sierra Leoe, insuring a constant supply with bauxite, at predictable costs.

Another electricity producer among the assets of the Group in Romania will strengthen the company's position on the local market and will lead to a higher predictability of costs and to further activity.