Moscow, 29 October. Load testing of the second generating unit has been launched at Bureyskaya HPP almost a month and a half ahead of schedule. The hydro generating unit has been connected to the Far East Unified Energy System in the manual synchronisation mode.

During the test, the generator's capacity will be gradually increased to the maximum of 185 MW. After that, the unit will be stopped for troubleshooting and adjustment of the equipment.

According to Yury Gorbenko, Director General of OAO "Bureyskaya HPP", "If the second generating unit soon goes on-load, with the current water inflow rates at the Bureya River, we well be able to generate an extra 40 million kWh of electricity this November."

Bureyskaya HPP ranks among the highest priority projects of RAO "UES of Russia". In 2003, RAO "UES of Russia" is to invest RUB7 billion in the construction of the plant. The first hydroelectric unit at Bureyskaya HPP was launched on 30 June 2003. This has already brought tangible results, such as improved operation of the Eastern Unified Energy System and lower electricity tariffs for consumers in Amurskaya Region, Khabarovsk Kray and Primorsky Kray.

The plant's second unit is scheduled for launch in November 2003, with the entire project to be completed in 2007. Bureyskaya HPP will be the largest hydroelectric plant in the Far East of Russia. The power plant's installed capacity will be 2,000 MW, with the average annual output of 7.1 TWh. At present, all power plants in Russia's Far East generate 38 TWh of electricity annually. In 2004, Bureyskaya HPP will be able to produce 2.1 TWh of electricity.