OREANDA-NEWS. March 02, 2010. IV All-Russian meeting of hydro power engineers is taking place in Moscow, “Electrification” pavilion of All-Russian Exhibition Center. The meeting was called by a Non-Profit Partnership ”Hydro Power Engineering of Russia” with support of the RF State Duma, RF Ministry of Energy , Russian National Committee of International Commission on Large Dams, OAO “RusHydro”, OAO “Irkutskenergo” and other Russian energy companies.

Representatives of "Institute Hydroproject” (managed by “Engineering Center UES”) took an active part in roundtable discussions and presentations. For instance, First Deputy Chief Engineer of the Institute, Alexander Volynchikov presented his report “Safety of basic structures and hydro facilities at Boguchanskaya HEPP”.

System approach to solving most problems in this area can be implemented in the sector program for the upgrades and safety of hydro electric power plants; the draft program is now under development in the RF Ministry of Energy.

The meeting also touched upon the issue of consolidation of Russian enterprises in the hydro power engineering sector, including design, maintenance and scientific entitites. The ultimate goal of such consolidation is expansion into overseas markets. Managing Director of JSC “Institute Hydroproject” Dmitry Sedykh made the following comment:

“At the present stage, the key competitive edge required to win in a foreign tender for hydro generation construction project is the company’s ability to operate as an ЕРС-contractor, including the funding.

Currently, attraction of money on terms acceptable for the project Customer is a real challenge for a non-governmental company. When we speak about the prospects of uniting the efforts of private companies and the state, for instance, in terms of provision of funding, then the probability of winning a tender abroad would significantly grow.

At this time, “Institute Hydroproject” is already cooperating with several organizations, construction and financial institutions in order to strengthen position at international arena. However, there is a vast potential for growth, and its realization depends on activity and the will of the state to strengthen the position of Russian companies in the foreign market”.