Russian Energy Ministry considers allowing foreign equipment for Far East power generation - media

MOSCOW. April 25 (Interfax) - The Energy Ministry has proposed both using domestically made equipment and potential foreign participation for new power generation projects in the Far East, the Kommersant newspaper reported on Friday, citing sources.

According to the publication, the ministry presented these two options. Project profitability could reach 14% for Russian-only projects and 12% for those using foreign equipment.

The plans involve three potential locations for coal or gas-fired generation: Yakutia (233-250 MW), Primorye (242-250 MW) and Khabarovsk Territory (203-250 MW).

However, using Russian equipment would be more expensive, with capital expenditures potentially exceeding 436 billion rubles. The final figures will be determined at an upcoming government commission meeting on April 29.

The meeting will also review updated plans to address power shortages in southern Russia, Kommersant said. At Inter RAO's Dzhubga Thermal Power Plant, a 164 MW gas turbine unit may replace ten previously planned 25 MW units, while Lukoil's Krasnodar Combined Heat and Power Plant could install a 150 MW combined-cycle unit. By 2030, the region's projected power deficit is estimated at minimum 2.27 GW.