The government is reaching the closing sequence of its tender to set up solar power plants in the Negev. Sources inform "Globes" that the inter-ministerial tenders committee, headed by the deputy accountant general Avi Dor, recently told the groups bidding for the huge tender for setting up the thermosolar power plant at Ashelim, that the final date for submitting proposals is September 15, 2009.
"Globes" has also been informed that that the credit ratings company Midroog has begun formulating an index to evaluate risks for the project, which will be given at least an AA- rating.
In April 2009 the state published two tenders for building, operating and maintaining two power plants using thermosolar technologies at Ashelim in the Negev that will supply 80-110 Megawatt. The overall value of the tenders is estimated at $700-800 million.
Seven groups are bidding for the tenders, each headed by the largest companies in Israel's economy including Israel Corp. (TASE:ILCO), Shikun u'Binui Holdings Ltd. (Housing and Construction) (TASE: HUCN), IDB Holding Corp. (TASE:IDBH) unit Clal Energy Ltd., Dor-Alon Energy Ltd. - Minrav Holdings Ltd. (TASE:MNRV), Ormat Industries Ltd. (TASE:ORMT), Shapir Group and others.
After publication of the formulation of the concession agreement for the thermosolar power plants, the government this week sent to the bidders an appendix about the implementation of the tender. Sources inform "Globes" that the appendix permits up to 15% of electricity to be generated from natural gas with a daily limt of 50% with no hourly restrictions.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on June 17, 2009
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