German company RWE has won the bid for acquisition of 49% of Bulgaria’s future Belene nuclear power plant, Minister of Energy and Economy Petar Dimitrov announced.

The winning offer of RWE, which competed with the Belgian Electrabel was EUR 1.275 B, the minister said. It is still possible, however, that the rivals join efforts and participate together in the project.

The Russian company Atomeksportstroy is expected to complete the construction of Bulgaria’s second nuclear power plant at the Danube town of Belene by 2013. The plant will have initially two 1000-MW reactors as the construction is estimated to cost about EUR 5 B.

The majority owner with 51% of Belene will be Bulgaria’s National Electric Company NEK.