China Shenhua Group interested in Amynteo upgrade project

China Shenhua Group, one of China’s biggest coal and energy trading corporations, has expressed an interest to participate in the upgrade project of an ageing main power utility PPC lignite-fired power station in Amynteo, close to Florina, in northern Greece.

A team of China Shenhua Group officials visited the 600-MW capacity facility last week, following up on a preceding expression of interest in the upgrade project, according to an article published by Greek daily Kathimerini.

During the visit, the Chinese corporation’s officials also held preliminary talks with the Kopelouzos Group on the possible establishment of a partnership for the upgrade.

The lifespan of PPC’s ageing Amynteo station has been restricted to 17,000 hours by the European Commission as a result of its carbon emissions. PPC has requested an extension to 32,000 hours.

Last December, Ling Wen, President and Vice Chairman of the Board at the Shenhua Group, and a team of associates visited Athens for talks with all of the country’s major energy corporations.