December 22, 2010. JSC RusHydro (ticker symbol: RTS, MICEX, LSE: HYDR; OTCQX: RSHYY) has announced launch of hydro-electric generating unit (GU) No.3 of Neporozhniy Sayano-Shushenskaya HPP. The 640-MW hydro-electric generating unit (GU) No.3 was connected to the grid to conduct operational tests.  The launch has added to the total restored capacity of Sayano-Shushenskaya HPP that now stands at 2,560 MW.

Following the accident on August 17, 2009 the personnel of JSC RusHydro has managed to complete a huge scope of work to restore by now the operating condition of four generating units 640 MW each: GU No.6 was connected to the grid on February 24, GU No.5 on March 22, GU No.4 on August 2. On the day GU No.3 was put into operation the total energy output of the generating units previously restored exceeded the 10 billion kWh level.

This launch has actually rounded off the first phase of restoration work at Sayano-Shushenskaya HPP. In 2011 RusHydro is set to proceed to implement the second phase of the plant restoration. In 2011-2013 six totally new hydro-electric generating units currently manufactured by Power Machines concern are to be installed at the Sayano-Shushenskaya HPP. The final phase of reconstruction in 2013-2014 calls for the installation of new units to replace the four ones installed this year. The service life of new GU will increase to 40 years, new turbines will have the maximum efficiency of 96.6% and improved output and cavitation performance. The turbines will also be equipped with enhanced technological protection system. GU No.3 launched today will be in service until October 2014 when it will be replaced with new equipment.