The 30.6MW Zaragizhskaya hydropower plant has been successfully launched in Kabardino-Balkaria, Russia, helping to meet electricity demands in the Republic.
Launched in December, the RUB 4 billion project is a derivation plant designed without a dam. It is the third step in the Nizhne-Cherkei Cascade. which includes Aushigerskaya and Kashkhatau hydro plants.
Prior to launch of the plant, only 35% of the regional power needs were met by a local electricity producer. The planned long-run output of Zaragizhskaya, amounting to 114 million kWh, will cover increase in electricity consumption in the region for 2-3 years.
RusHydro is intending to continue development of the hydro potential of Kabardino-Balkaria, and are currently reviewing the possibility of completing the 10MW Verkhnebalkarskaya project.
