OREANDA-NEWS. On 04 May 2008 was announced, that representatives of Irkutskenergo are sure that soon the region is in for the energy crisis. Construction in the region of a series of thermal power stations (TPS) can be a way out.

Owing to commissioning of new aluminum production in Shelekhov, Bratsk and Taishet, the Irkutsk area will experience an unusual phenomenon of power deficiency by 2010. According to the calculations of Irkutskenergo, at full loading of all generating capacities of the region, the greatest possible level of production of the electric power will be already reached this year. Deficiency of the electric power in the intermediate term prospect can equal 3,400 MW. 'The problem of power deficiency will touch the area as a whole, rather than separate territories', the dean of the power faculty IrGtU (Irkutsk State Technical University) Vadim Fedchishin said.

Director for the Strategy and Development of JSC Irkutskenergo Evgeniy Filsh told about a chance to soften heavy consequences of the deficiency in the region which is considered a power donor. He delivered the report at the annual All-Russia Conference "Increase Of Production Efficiency And Use Of Energy In Siberia" in IrGTU. According to his words, the decision can become construction of series of thermal power stations in the regions of the area according to the "North" and "South" projects developed by the power company.

The "North" project will provide energy to the industrial consumers in Bratsk, Baikal-Amur Transmission Line and in the cities of Kirensk and Ust Kut near Yakutia. The petroleum gas of Dulsiminsky deposits for 300 MW will become raw material for the thermal power station in Kirensk. The "South" project is intended to provide reliable power supply of Irkutsk agglomeration and at last to solve the problem of excessive capacity in Angarsk and shortage of the electric power in the residential areas of Irkutsk.

However, the plan of power consumption in Evgeniy Filsh's presentation showed that at best the region expects power deficiency in 2013-2014: thermal stations in the necessary amount cannot be constructed so quickly, and Irkutskenergo's estimate of expenses for strategic decisions of development of the power system of the area equal to 111.5 billion rubles in the prices of the year 2007 can be essentially updated.