Bank seeks study of public-private hydro development in Montenegro

The World Bank invites expressions of interest from consultants to assess Montenegro’s framework for public-private partnerships to development large and small hydropower and a thermal power project. Responses are due March 23.

Montenegro is pursuing a long-term energy sector development strategy requiring an investment of 1.5 billion euros (US$1.9 billion) until 2025 in new generation. The government currently seeks bids in a privatization auction for an 18.3 percent stake in government-owned hydropower utility Elektroprivreda Crne Gore. (HydroWorld 2/3/09)

The World Bank said Montenegro’s planned investments include construction of new large hydropower plants, development of small hydro and wind generators, and construction of a second block of the Pljevlja thermal power plant. However, substantial private sector participation will be required to carry out the program.

Currently there is no public-private partnership policy for new generation. The World Bank seeks consultants to assess the legal, institutional, and regulatory framework for private participation in power generation and to recommend changes in policy.

Expressions of interest and qualifications, not to exceed 20 pages in English, are to be submitted by March 23, electronically via the World Bank Group eConsultant Internet site, www.worldbank.org/wbgeconsultant. Short-listed firms are to be invited to submit bids.

For information, contact Franz Gerner, Senior Energy Economist, World Bank, 1818 H St., N.W., Washington, DC 20433; (1) 202-473-5019; E-mail: [email protected].