20 Jun 2011 14:27

Inter RAO, EDF discussing coal shipments to Europe

ST.PETERSBURG. June 20 (Interfax) - Inter RAO and France's EDF are discussing coal supplies from Russian mines to Europe, the Russian company's chief, Boris Kovalchuk, told reporters on the sidelines of the economic forum on St Petersburg on Friday.

Kovalchuk said the companies had held preliminary talks and that Inter RAO planned to buy coal mines, partly with exports in mind.

Inter RAO is also prepared to invite EDF to take part in another project, to lay a cable from the Baltic Nuclear Power Plant to Germany.

Inter RAO's press office said the company and EDF Trading had signed a memorandum on cooperation in coal trade and would look at forming a joint venture to take this further.