Minister of industry and energy Victor Khristenko told that the total volume of financing necessary for putting into operation of the fifth power unit of the Kursk NPP amounts to RUB 45-46 billion.

According to Khristenko 27 billion RUB is necessary for completion of construction of the 5th unit itself and 18-20 billion RUB more for electricity grid connection and development of the corresponding infrastructure.

At the same time Khristenko noted that the decision about completion of 5th unit construction will accepted after receiving improved General scheme of arrangement of electric power facilities in September.

"Commissioning of the 5th unit isn't balanced with other power facilities and its start-up can bring more harm than good", - minister said in the State Duma.

In May Russian minister of finance Alexei Kudrin announced that his ministry wouldn't be able to allocate 27 billion RUB from the federal budget in 2008 for these purposes. He believes that the construction can be postponed, beginning with allocation of budgetary funds in 2009.

SOURCE: AtomInfo.Ru

DATE: June 30, 2007

Topics: NPP, Russia, Kursk NPP