Energy requires billions of dollars

The electrical power sector is in need of $10.4bn total investments throughout 2003-2015, with the necessary financing until 2005 reaching $3.6bn, as highlighted by an energy strategy agreed upon by the Economy and Trade Ministry and the World Bank. The most significant investments ($2.5bn by 2005 and $6.9bn over 2003-2015) are required by the energy-producing sector. Economy Ministry data show thermoelectric power plants should attract $1.5bn throughout 2003-2005, while the nuclear sector should attract $480 million investments. As for the hydropower sector, it needs $450 million in financing, while the electrical power distribution and supply is supposed to get $628 million by 2005, according to the strategy, with the total investment value upped to $2.2bn for 2003-2015. The Ministry’s plans anticipate energy transport operations to require $491 million until 2005 and $1.2bn until 2015. ZF