Sayano-Shushenskaya findings delayed to late Sept; first unit could be in service in Q1-‘10

The first generating unit at the 6.4GW plant could be operational again in the first quarter of 2010, according to state-owned media. It is understood that the rebuild could take up to five years. Previously, RusHydro said the work might take up to three years.

The fatal accident at the plant on 17 August killed 74 people and one is still missing. Three of the plants 10 units were destroyed, six suffered varying degrees of damage and one flood damage only.

No official reason has been given for the disaster, which began which a hydraulic shock at Unit No 2.

Initial findings into the disaster were to have been released early this month and then later this week, but have been re-scheduled again.

The state accident investigators have postponed the release of their findings following a meeting with government ministers, who want to also establish a parliamentary investigation committee. The agency said that ministers believed recommendations for future operations should have ongoing involvement of equipment manufacturers.

While talks are underway to get loans to support the plant rebuild, it is understood that the utility also plans to issue shares to help raise funds. The government still holds a stake in the utility, and is also hearing an application from the Ministry of Energy for part of next year’s budget to be earmarked to support the rebuild.

RusHydro has been planning to replace six units, possibly with turbine-generators of larger capacity than the original 640MW, and partial rebuild of four units.

The plant was fitted out over 1978-85, and is located on the Yenisei river at the foot of a 242m high concrete gravity arch dam.

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