Russia is one of the largest hydro markets in the world – how is business in the region for ANDRTIZ HYDRO?
The positive development of the Russian economy and the increasing demand for energy turns Russia to an extreme important market for the hydro power industry. The necessity for modernization of the existing hydropower plants and the high potential of new installations on large new projects, as well as the huge number on possibilities for small decentralized renewable energy supplies through small hydropower stations is very attractive. Therefore ANDRTIZ HYDRO has established on own daughter company in Moscow to follow up all the opportunities.
There has been much talk about energy efficiency and security at government level, but what new opportunities has this brought to the regions Hydro sector?
On a global base there have been a lot of technical developments for hydropower. Today state-of-the art methods are used to diagnose, analyze and upgrade existing hydropower facilities. Compared to design criteria used decades ago, dramatic increases in efficiency, output and performance are possible. At the same time safety, availability and reliability are improved and brought to modern standards. In our opinion the Russian Government is aware of these opportunities and is supporting a fast track of implementation.
The article following this interview from Hydropower of Russia and RusHydro talks about the tragic accident at the Sayano Shushenskaya plant and the need for increased safety regulation in this sector – what impact has this had on regional business for ANDRITZ?
The tragic accident of the Sayano Shushenskaya plant has in a very regrettable way shown that technical improvements in existing hydropower plants are a must. In dealing with this accident and bringing the plant back to operation in record time RusHydro has demonstrated the capability and knowledge necessary to move forward. With more than 170 years of experience and more than 400.000 MW of installed hydropower equipment ANDRTIZ HYDRO is ready to contribute to this positive development.
ANDRTIZ HYDRO is strong in both small and large scale hydropower projects . What sector is your main target area for the coming years in Russia?
We are ready and competent to support the Russian hydropower sector in all fields of electromechanical equipment. Being one of the worldwide leading companies in this market we are interested in large new plants, pump storage, extensive and small refurbishments and modernisations, but especially in developing together with Russian companies the small hydro potential.
What is the relationship between ANDRTIZ HYDRO and the Russian hydro service providers? Is the level of competition high between Russian and foreign equipment suppliers?
In Russia, as is the same around the world, competition on technical parameters, quality, performance and value are inevitable. However the field of activities in Russia has such a broadness, that there is enough business for everyone. In several cases a common approach and a combination of all advantages is the best solution for the project, We are always trying to optimize and maximize the Russian content and consequently, for us, cooperation with Russian suppliers is an essential asset.
RusHydro are one of the regions leading hydro operators, how is your relationship with them?
On 17th of November, 2010 we signed an agreement with RusHydro, defining our common interest in the further development of the Russian Hydrosector. Special focus is laid on introduction of innovative technologies, the small hydrosegment and the modernisation sector. Working groups of both entities are presently very active and we assume to see results within short.
What is your forecast for the regions hydro sector over the next 5 years? Where do you see ANDRITZ in this time?
With the high potential of the Russian hydro power market and the governmental support in this field, Russia will be one of the largest hydropower markets of the world. We, at ANDRTIZ HYDRO are eager to contribute and ensure that we are able to maintain the same position in Russia as we have in the rest of the world.
