Russian federal aluminium producer Rusal is staying steady on its wish to remain involved in the Rogun hydro project following recent reports that the Tajikistan government is looking to change its procurement, possibly moving to seek more international involvement and finance.
The Rogun project is being built on the Vakhsh river, which has the potential for many more hydro schemes. In recent weeks there have been reports that Rusal involvement may be changed, and among the reports the Russian state energy holding group RAO UES’s profile was raised.
Questions over Rusal’s continued participation, however, have been in circulation for many months. In a statement, Rusal told IWP&DC that it was appointed by the Russia state in 2004 to help develop the Rogun project, and it aimed to remain on the project.
‘We are unaware of any changes to our status in this project made by Russia as a parity partner in the Rogun project. We have devoted three years to this project, completed a feasibility study,’ it said.
Rusal added: ‘An introduction of a new project participant will fundamentally mean a return to the starting point and a loss of the three years that the project had been going forward.’
‘Rusal is ready to construct the Rogun HPP and is willing to do it without the state budget funding,’ concluded the statement.