Alexander Grigoryev, expert of the Department of Electric Energy Studies of the Institute for the Problems of Natural Monopolies

– The energy system of Russia’s North-West has a structure typical of many developed countries

On Feb 7 Sosnovy Bor (Leningrad region) will host public hearings of the materials on the ecological impacts of the construction and the operation of LNPP-2. A day before the hearings the expert of the Department of Electric Energy Studies of the Institute for the Problems of Natural Monopolies Alexander Grigoryev commented on the prospects of energy development in the region.

Leningrad NPP is the key energy supplier of the North-West. In the last years the number of available capacity hours has decreased — by 11% in 2001–2005, while the thermal power generation has grown by 16%. This means that the basic load is decreasing, while the peak load is growing. So, it turns out that the regional NPPs are not efficient and the consumers are forced to pay for expensive TPP energy.

At the same time, we should develop pumped storage plants so we can cover shortfalls when the demand is high and accumulate surplus when the demand is low .

The energy system of the North-West already has a structure typical of many developed country: WPP — 14.6%, NPP — 39%, TPP — 46.4%. The authorities and the power engineers should maintain this structure and develop nuclear energy proportionally to other energy types.