A ceremonial launch of the energy center was held in the city of Bilibino in the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug. The new facility was launched by Deputy Prime Minister – Presidential Plenipotentiary Representative in the Far Eastern Federal District Yuri Trutnev. The Governor of the region Vladislav Kuznetsov took part in the launch of the new facility at the energy center site.
"I congratulate everyone on the launch of the energy center in the city of Bilibino! First of all, I want to thank everyone who participated in the construction: those whose work created the facility, which, together with the floating nuclear power plant, creates the contours of the new energy system, replacing the decommissioned Bilibino NPP. Chukotka is one of the regions of Russia with extreme climatic conditions. Energy is of particular importance for the region with its low temperatures. The entire energy system must operate reliably and without interruptions. Not only the quality of life here, but also the very life of people directly depends on this. Therefore, thank you to the builders, thank you to everyone who took part in the creation of the energy center. Let's launch it," said Yuri Trutnev.
The energy center will gradually replace the Bilibino NPP, which provides heat and electricity to the city of Bilibino with a population of about 5.5 thousand people, as well as large mining and gold mining enterprises in Chukotka. During the implementation of the project, about 300 new jobs will be created.
"This is a major event for our Chukotka Autonomous Okrug. From 2025, the energy center will be the main heat source for the residents of Bilibin, which will ensure the functioning of the entire Chaun-Bilibinsky energy hub. The work has been underway since 2019 in the difficult conditions of the Arctic zone. During construction, we took into account the permafrost factor, low temperatures, increased wind and snow loads. During the work, we managed to successfully resolve the issue of import substitution of components. I would like to thank the federal government for your support, you, Yuri Petrovich, everyone who provided assistance to the region at the federal level. I thank everyone who was involved in the construction of the energy center," Vladislav Kuznetsov addressed the ceremony participants and asked Yuri Trutnev to give the order to launch the facility.
Governor of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug Vladislav Kuznetsov, head of the Bilibinsky District Evgeny Safonov, deputy director of JSC Chukotka Trading Company Dmitry Ivanov together pressed the "start" button, after which the energy center equipment was put into operation. The total installed thermal capacity of the facility will be 66 MW, and the total installed electrical capacity will be 25 MW.
