RusHydro expects to launch phase two of Pevek-Bilibino power line ahead of schedule, before end of 2024 - top manager

MOSCOW. Oct 12 (Interfax) - RusHydro might put the second phase of the Pevek-Bilibino power line into operation ahead of schedule, before the end of 2024, a member of the company's management board, Roman Berdnikov said.

"We will do it earlier. There is active, good implementation there. At this point the plan is before the end of next year," Berdnikov told reporters on the sidelines of Russian Energy Week 2023.

All financing decisions have already been made, he said. "Primarily at RusHydro's expense, still in the same amount," he added.

RusHydro launched the first phase of the power line in September 2023 and the launch of the second phase was scheduled for 2025. The second phase includes construction of a second aerial line circuit, the reconstruction of the Yuzhny 110 kV substation and construction of the Beta 110 kV switching station.

The Pevek-Bilibino line is intended to increase the reliability of power supplies from the Akademik Lomonosov floating nuclear power plant in Pevek for both customers in Bilibino and for mining operations, the largest of which is the Baimsky GOK copper project.