Expert Demidov: Building New Thermal Power Plants in Siberia Addresses Current Challenges While Preparing Region for Strategic Growth

Vladimir Demidov, an independent expert in capital oil and gas construction, believes that the launch of new thermal power plants reflects not the end of an era of cheap energy from hydroelectric stations, but rather growing domestic consumption and the need to ensure energy supply stability.

"Siberia is facing a projected electricity shortage. The construction of new thermal power plants may be aimed at meeting growing demand and compensating for the capacity deficit. Given the volume of investment required to implement these projects, tariff increases for industry and households in the region are quite expected."

Even the most modern plants are pointless without grids capable of receiving and distributing power. The Siberian power system, despite its extent and development, was originally designed for different power flows—from major hydroelectric facilities on the Angara and Yenisei rivers to western and southern regions. An additional 2 GW of capacity will require modernization of local infrastructure, the expert emphasizes:

"Given the projected capacity deficit of 1.225 GW in the southeastern part of Siberia, it will be necessary to build new substations and modernize existing ones, as well as construct several thousand kilometers of power transmission lines."

However, the construction of new plants in Siberia isn't only about meeting growing electricity demand and compensating for the capacity deficit. According to Demidov, it's about building an energy foundation for the region's industrial growth.

"The development of energy infrastructure is a necessary condition for attracting investment and stimulating industrial growth in Siberia."