DUSHANBE, December 26, Asia-Plus  -- Russia’s state-controlled energy entity Unified Energy Systems (RAO YeES) intends to launch the first of four units of Russia-built Sangtuda-1 hydroelectric power station (HPS) in Tajikistan on January 18, 2008, Russia’s news agency Itar-Tass said referring to Anatoly Chubais, head of Russian conglomerate YeES.  

“I have approved the schedule of launch of the first unit – January 18, 2008, and I am sure we will launch,” Chubais said, reminding that the first unit should have been launched in March 2008 but the Tajik government requested to speed up the launch of the first unit.  

In this connection, the YeES administration last summer revised the schedule of the launch of the station.  The Russian energy conglomerate tried to launch the first unit on December 21 but failed.  

According to Chubais, specialists from RAO YeES are currently in Tajikistan to consider the issue. 

Over the past decade, Tajikistan has faced severe seasonal power shortages and in some regions, with towns and villages receiving electricity for only a few hours during the early mornings and evenings.    

            We will recall that Barqi Tojik (Tajik electric systems) power holding announced on December 18 that the planned launch of the first unit, scheduled for December 21, would be delayed until the end of this months or early January 2008, due to some technical reasons.            

We will recall that Russia’s Unified Energy Systems (RAO YeES) has spent approximately $500 million to build Sangtuda-1, and the Russian entity retains a 75 percent share in the power plant, which will generate a projected 2.7 billion kWh of electricity per annum.  The power station will have an estimated capacity of 670 MW – enough to meet Tajikistan’s domestic needs and allow for the export of electricity, namely to Afghanistan.