OREANDA-NEWS. JSC RusHydro (ticker symbol: MOEX, LSE: HYDR; OTCQX: RSHYY) announces that the Federal agency of expert assessment (FAU Glavgosexpertiza) has issued a positive opinion on the cost of construction of a new 193 MW gas-fired unit at the Yakutskaya TPP No.2 as part of its expansion and modernization project.

The regulator approved the project, confirming that its calculations and parameters are in compliance with all applicable budgeting and pricing standards.

Total budget for the new gas-fired unit of the Yakutskaya TPP No.2 is RUB 26.193 bn. Earlier, TEK Mosenergo was selected as general contractor (with the best price bid of RUB 17.381 bn incl. VAT) and GE Packaged Power Inc. was selected as supplier of major generating equipment (with the best price bid of RUB 3.49 bn incl. VAT).

A number of changes to the design project of the power plant have been made following the expert assessment of the project. Updated technical parameters, approved by Glavgosexpertiza, led to an increase in installed electric capacity of the plant from 170 MW to 193 MW and installed heat generation capacity from 460 GCal/h to 469 GCal/h. The increase in capacity will not incur additional capital costs.

In October 2013, Glavgosexpertiza issued a positive opinion regarding technical part of the project. Earlier, an independent engineering company conducted technical and pricing audit of the project.

The new plant will be built in the permafrost zone, the first project of this kind since 1980s. Location near gas-distribution station guarantees reliable fuel supply for the new power plant. Construction of the new unit at the Yakutskaya TPP No.2 will enable partial replacement of obsolete and inefficient boilers and provide centralized heating to many customers. The project is planned to be completed in 2015.