OREANDA-NEWS. PJSC RusHydro (ticker symbol: MOEX, LSE: HYDR; OTCQX: RSHYY) and Voith Hydro approved the preliminary terms of cost optimization of Saratovskaya HPP modernization project at the meeting between Nikolay Shulginov, Chairman of the Management Board of RusHydro, and Leopold Heninger, CEO of Voith Hydro. The optimization provides for a decrease of up to RUB 7 bn of the modernization contract.

In accordance with the agreement signed in 2011, Voith Hydro is a supplier of the main generating equipment for the Saratovskaya HPP. The comprehensive modernization of the plant provides for replacement of 21 turbines and hydro unit No. 24. The new equipment will increase the plant’s installed capacity by 10%. The first three modernized hydro units of the Saratovskaya HPP were commissioned in 2015.

The Saratovskaya HPP modernization project provides for manufacturing of the part of equipment in Russia at the joint venture of RusHydro and Voith Hydro – VolgaHydro LLC. Voith Hydro confirms its commitment to cooperate on hydropower development in Russia and plans to start the construction of a factory that should be launched in the end of 2017.