"This contract verifies that Norwegian companies have a good reputation and a strong position in the international hydropower market, and that we represent a group of solid partners. The project also provides us with the opportunity to utilize our expertise to promote sustainable development and renewable energy in developing countries, "says Ove Rusten, CEO of Norplan.

The consortium consists of the two Norwegian companies Norplan (Multiconsult) and Norconsult, the French company Electricite de France (EDF) and the British company Scott Wilson. The consortium will be led by Norplan (Multiconsult) and will benefit from the partners' extensive international experience in hydropower, combined with local expertise.

The contract has a total budget of 90 million NOK and involves full feasibility study of the Mandaya and Beko Abo multiuse hydroelectric projects in Ethiopia. The projects that are planned in the river Abay will be able to produce an estimated 12,100 and 12,600 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually when they are complete.

Ethiopia has extensive hydropower resources, but only a small fragment of its capacity has been developed. Mandaya and Beko Abo are two of the largest proposed hydropower projects in Ethiopia. The long term plan is to produce several thousands of megawat hours from these and other hydropower projects, and sell to neighboring countries in addition to the utilization for their own consumption.

"Norconsult and Multiconsult have had a good partnership in Ethiopia for many years. This allows us to combine both our breadth and expertise, and provides the necessary strength and capacity for us together to access exciting opportunities at an international level "explains Knut Noren, project manager with Norconsult.

The Ethiopian Ministry of Water Resources will be responsible for the Mandaya and Beko Abo projects with funding from the Norwegian authorities. Norwegian authorities cooperates closely with Ethiopian authorities on the development of the local energy sector and have previously funded several hydropower projects.

For more information, please contact:
Jan Høiseth, Project Manager, Multiconsult AS, mobile + 47 92 82 83 75
Ove Rusten, CEO, Norplan AS, mobile + 47 40 01 67 51
Knut E. Norén, Project Manager, Norconsult AS Phone + 47 67 57 14 22

About Norplan
Norplan is an international consulting engineering company with strong expertise in renewable energy and hydropower. Norplan is owned by and combine resources with Multiconsult AS and Asplan Viak. Norplan offers services within the four business areas: natural resources and renewable energy, water and environment, urban planning and developement, industry, oil and gas. See www.norplan.com for more information.

About Multiconsult
Multiconsult is a leading, Norwegian consultant company with 20 offices, 3 of which are located outside of Norway. The headquarter is in Oslo. Multiconsult works for public and private clients both nationally and internationally with multidisciplinary consulting, design, engineering and management in the following business areas: Buildings and Properties, Industry, Oil and Gas, Transportation and Infrastructure, Energy, Environment and Natural Resources. See www.multiconsult.no for more information.