Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon Mr Sechin, ladies and gentlemen.
Igor Sechin: Good afternoon.
Vladimir Putin: How is it going? Please, report on the situation and tell us about the preparations for the launching of the next hydro-electric unit at the Sayano-Shushenskaya hydroelectric power station.
Igor Sechin: Mr Putin, today the government commission on cleaning up the consequences of the accident and getting the power plant up and running again held a regular meeting in line with your instructions. Since your last visit to the power plant on February 24 when you commissioned the sixth hydro-electric unit, all installation, start-up and testing procedures for the fifth unit have been completed. Its temperature, calibration and electric fittings are all operating normally.
Mr Putin, we ask your permission to launch the fifth hydro-electric unit.
Vladimir Putin: Let's begin.
Igor Sechin: Yes.
Mr Putin, the fifth unit is gaining power. Its commissioning will make it possible to double the capacity of the station to 1,200 megawatts. There is no doubt that this will improve its economic performance and make the Siberian energy system more reliable.
Vladimir Putin: Well-done! I'd like to thank all those involved in the restoration of the station. Importantly, they had to guarantee cross-flow in autumn and winter. This winter was exceedingly cold even by Siberian standards but the targets were met.
I'd like to thank all the power engineers, everyone working with grid companies for their efforts. At the same time, there is still a great deal of work ahead. How many units are you planning to launch this year?
Igor Sechin: Mr Putin, this year is a key year for completing the first stage of repairs. By June 1 the shore spillway will be launched, eliminating all flooding risks; and the third and fourth hydro-electric units will be commissioned to enable the station to reach a capacity of 2,400-2,500 megawatts. When this is done the first stage will be complete.
Vladimir Putin: I hope that all the plans will be carried out to deadline, but I still want to draw the attention of the government commission and your attention, Mr Sechin, to the need to carry out the plan as an integral whole and to work on all areas, including mechanical engineering and infrastructure. I hope that the mechanical engineers will tackle their assignments without delay. The infrastructure must be ready by then, including facilities for the delivery of new large blocks to the station.
The governor asked you to concentrate on the construction of a motorway. Please respond flexibly as required and report to me on the allocation of funds for this project. The road is not that big but it must be built not only for the delivery of equipment to the station but also in order to expand the region's infrastructure.
And, please, do not overlook requirements of people including those victims of the accident. Make sure that all the promises we made when talking about clearing up the consequences of the accident should be fulfilled by all means possible.
Igor Sechin: Yes, Mr Putin. We will definitely do this. RusHydro has decided it will open a public reception office to offer social support to those who suffered during the accident and workers of the station. All complains are directed here, to this station, people are being received, and a site opened for questions and answers.
Next week we will set the date with Mr Zimin (the Prime Minister of Khakassia) and the Transportation Ministry for a more detailed discussion of heavy equipment transportation.
Vladimir Putin: Good. Congratulations again and I wish you success!
Igor Sechin: Thank you very much, Mr Putin.
Vladimir Putin: Good luck.