Inter RAO discussing Yerkovetskaya thermal power plant project parameters with Chinese partners
ZAVIDOVO. Sept 21 (Interfax) - Inter RAO is discussing with Chinese partners the parameters of the project to build the Yerkovetskaya thermal power plant (TPP) at the coal field of the same name in Russia's Amur region, Alexandra Panina, a member of the Russian company's management board, told reporters.
"We have a project and we even have a pre-feasibility study, talks are in progress. The economic parameters and interest of the Chinese colleagues are being clarified," Panina said.
Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said in July that Russia and China had agreed to revive talks on the project to build the Yerkovetskaya TPP.
Inter RAO and the State Grid Corporation of China have drawn up a major project to build the 8 gigawatt Yerkovetskaya coal-powered TPP to generate electricity for export to China. The parties developed a preliminary feasibility study and were preparing to conduct a full feasibility study. The Yerkovetskoye coal mine capacity is estimated at 35 million tonnes per year. The project also includes the construction of an 800-kilovolt transmission line stretching 2,000 kilometers.
Novak has estimated investment in the project at $17 billion. Russia had planned to gain tax breaks in the supply of electricity to China.
However, in mid-2017 the project was suspended due to economic problems.