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Putin demands commissioning second line of power bridge to Crimea in April-May 2016

The just-laid second high-voltage electric power cable to the peninsula from mainland Russia across the Kerch Strait will synchronize the operation of its power grid with that of the rest of Russia

MOSCOW, December 15. /TASS/. The second line of the power bridge to Crima should be energized in April-May 2016, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday.

"We need to solve the following tasks we are facing, that is: two more power lines should be provided for the Crimean Peninsula to supply at least 800 MW to Crimea by summer, in April or in May at the latest, to be more specific," the president said. "This will cover all Crimea’s [electricity] demands," the head of state added.

The President once again extended the appreciation to Crimea’s residence "for patients, for their continuing confidence in all of us, for boldness, spirit, moderation and credence given to us."

The second line of the first stage of the energy bridge to Crimea with 200 MW capacity was energized on Tuesday. Total capacity of the Crimean energy system will now total about 1,000 MW, including internal generation and crossflows.

Second electric power line to Crimea to synchronize local power grid with mainland

The just-laid second high-voltage electric power cable to Crimea from mainland Russia across the Kerch Strait will synchronize the operation of the peninsula’s power grid with that of the rest of Russia, Energy Minister Alexander Novak told President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday.

"By now, all works have been completed to lay and tune up the equipment of the second electric power lifeline. A high-tech substation is to be commissioned today under this unique project," Novak said at the site of this electric power facility in the seaside city of Feodosia.

Novak said the substation had been built within a record-tight deadline of 18 months, while the standard construction cycle lasts two and a half years.

"Also, four electric power 220-kilovolt cables have been laid across the Kerch Strait. They will be used to bring extra power to Crimea during peak hours," Novak said. Another 122 kilometers of a high-voltage power line has been built and will be commissioned today from the transit point to the Kafa substation. Earlier, the 220-kilovolt Taman power substation went operational when the first circuit was commissioned.

"The second power life line will make it possible to deliver to the Crimean power grid 200 megawatts of electricity (400 megawatts on the aggregate in combination with the first line). In all, the Crimean electric power grid will have at its disposal an overall capacity of 1,000 megawatts (local power generating facilities and the power takeoff from the mainland included), Novak said.

This will meet an estimated 80% to 100% of Crimea’s demand, depending on the time of day, air temperatures and the output of solar and wind energy facilities (diesel generation excluded).

Novak said the commissioning of the second energy line will allow for bringing power to industries and businesses. This will let them resume normal operation and bring employees back to work and pave the way for Crimea’s further economic development.