Seven groups reached the presorting stage in the tender for the two thermosolar power plants at Ashelim in the Negev. The deadline was today at 2 pm.
Sources inform ''Globes'' that Ormat Industries Ltd. (TASE: ORMT), Shafir Civil and Marine Engineering Ltd., and Israel Corp. (TASE: ILCO) subsidiary IC Green Energy Ltd. (ICG) each submitted independent bids. Joint bids were submitted by Housing and Construction Holding Co. Ltd. (Shikun u'Binui) (TASE: HUCN) and Solel Solar Systems Ltd.; Luz II Ltd. and Veolia Environnement SA (NYSE: VE; Euronext: VIE) subsidiary Dalkia Israel Ltd.; IDB Holding Corp. Ltd. (TASE:IDBH) unit Clal Energy Ltd. and Spain's Abengoa Bioenergy SA (IBEX:ABG); and Germany's Solar Millennium AG (XETRA: S2M), Minrav Holdings Ltd. (TASE: MNRV) and Dor Alon Energy in Israel (1988) Ltd. (TASE:DRAL).
The Ministry of Finance declined to disclose the names of the bidders. The ministry noted that the tender criteria are financing and construction of the power stations, and their operation and maintenance for 25 years until they are transferred to the state. The two power plants will produce 250 megawatts, amounting to 2% of Israel's energy needs when they are completed. The cost of the project is estimated at $650 million.
The bids will be judged on experience and financial strength criteria set by the tenders committee. Accepted candidates will be invited to submit formal bids.
Ministry of National Infrastructures director general Hezi Kugler and Ministry of Finance deputy accountant general Avi Dror head the tenders committee that will review the bids. The committee also includes representatives from the Public Utilities Authority (Electricity).
The deadline for submitting bids in the presorting stage for the 15 megawatt photovoltaic power plant at Ashelim is September 15.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on September 2, 2008
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