Bern (ots)

BKW FMB Energy Ltd (BKW) is engaged in acquiring from
Ascométal the Allevard hydroelectric power plant group in the French 
Alps near Chambéry. The Allevard power plant group comprises four 
hydroelectric power plants with a collective capacity of 30 Megawatts
(MW) and an annual production volume of around 140 Gigawatt hours. 
The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price. The 
transaction is subject to the approval of the responsible French 
authorities.

BKW is aiming to expand its hydroelectricity capacities in France.
In addition to the selective acquisition of generating facilities, 
BKW will become actively involved in the forthcoming invitation by 
the French government to bid for hydroelectric power plant 
concessions.

Over the next five years the French government will be inviting 
bids for ten existing hydroelectricity concessions for a total 
capacity of 5'244 Megawatts. The first call for tender will commence 
in 2011.

About BKW
With sales of CHF 3,592 million in 2009, BKW FMB Energy Ltd is one of
Switzerland's leading energy providers. With its workforce of around 
2,800, it covers all stages of the energy supply chain: from 
electricity production and transport to trading and sales. BKW 
supplies power to more than one million people in German- and 
French-speaking Switzerland, either directly or indirectly via its 
distribution partners, and is active on selected foreign markets 
through its trading and sales business. The BKW production portfolio 
covers hydroelectric power plants, a nuclear power plant, and 
renewable energy plants (wind and solar power).  BKW has been 
purchasing electricity from the Fessenheim and Cattenom nuclear power
plants for a number of years. Over the next few years BKW is aiming 
to build up a 750-MW wind power portfolio in Germany and Italy. 
Thanks to its commitment to renewable energies and its green power 
products distributed under the 1to1 energy brand, BKW is currently 
Switzerland's largest provider of green power. BKW also maintains an 
extensive, closely-knit electricity grid in Switzerland with around 
20,000 kilometers of lines. Combined with a large number of switching
and transformer stations, it covers the supply region right down to 
the most remote localities. Further information: www.bkw-fmb.ch

Contact:

Antonio Sommavilla
031 330 51 07
info@bkw-fmb.ch