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Putin certain Russia can break any blockade, not only energy one

Putin has no doubt Russia will manage to break any blockade, should somebody decide to coach it

SOCHI, May 11. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has voiced the certainty that Russia will be able to break any blockade, not only energy one, should somebody decide to put its strength to test.

"Within tight deadlines the energy blockade of Crimea has been broken. In fact, I have no doubt we will manage to break any other blockade, should somebody decide to coach us," Putin said in a live video linkup devoted to Crimea’s energy supply.

Putin thanked all those who contributed to the construction of the energy lifeline that connected the Crimean Peninsula with mainland Russia.

"The energy link crossing the Kerch Strait is a complex technical project. The newest technologies were used here and the construction proceeded at shockwork speed," Putin said. He addressed the engineers, workers and all those who participated in the project with words of thanks for self-sacrificing effort and diligent attitude to their job.

"The Crimean Peninsula will have a robust infrastructure potential for economic development, for new industries and for strengthening the social sphere and the housing and utilities sector," Putin said. "I’m asking the Energy Ministry to keep the implementation of all these projects and development programs under permanent control."

Putin recalled that two power plants were being built in Simferopol and Sevastopol.

"An entire range of works on modernization of the energy system of the peninsula is still to be done, it is necessary to create a new, modern generating capacities, as well as to renew the energy sector there in general. More than 50 billion rubles on modernization and new construction are envisaged until 2020."

According to the President, taking into account own power generating capacity of Crimea the peninsula has a capacity of 1270 MW, while the expected peak of consumption level in summer will be 1,100-2,015 MW.

The Russian leader also said that considering the reserve capacities it is possible to ensure 1,800 MW to Crimea.

"In September 2017 one power generating unit will go operational at each of them. Their combined capacity will reach 470 megawatts," Putin said. "And in 2018 the power plants will add another 470 megawatts."

"In total more than 800 MW of electricity will be supplied via the energy bridge to the Crimea. Considering its own power generation capacity it is sufficient for normal operation and even a little bit more than is required for operation in regular mode. It's must ensure an uninterrupted power supply to industrial, infrastructure and social facilities and withstand the load with a margin during the summer holiday season when millions of tourists come to the peninsula," he said.