Moscow. 21 October 2019 — Gazprombank and the Hevel Group of Companies have reached agreement to cooperate in developing solar power generation in localities isolated from Russia’s unified power grid. The parties resolved to open a loan facility for 700 million rubles to build autonomous hybrid power plants (AHPP) in Siberia and the Far East.
Low-efficiency diesel generators have traditionally been the only sources of electricity in hard-to reach areas. Modernizing diesel power plants to the AHPP level will make it possible to ensure failure-free 24-hour energy supply, halve annual diesel consumption and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Fuel saved owing to operations of a solar power plant and storage systems will ensure return on investments in electric power modernization.
“It is important for Gazprombank to support one of its major customers in the power industry in this initiative, especially because it is innovation-based. Besides, such projects are of great social importance for those who live in isolated energy areas and contribute to higher energy efficiency of our economy,” Alexander Ushkov, Gazprombank’s Executive Vice-President, pointed out.
“Collaboration with Gazprombank will reinforce our capability and boost the implementation of distributed generation projects. Besides its cost effectiveness, solar energy combined with storage systems ensures a safe and continuous power supply to localities where the unified power grid is not available. Projects already implemented by the Hevel Group in the Republic of Altay, Trans-Baikal Territory and the Republic of Tuva, have achieved 50% saving of fuel, which makes it possible to cut budget-financed subsidies substantially and release funds for other social objectives,” said Hevel’s CEO Igor Shakhray.
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