US multinational General Electric (GE) and the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) are to sign a memorandum of understanding launching a joint venture to construct an array of miniature power plants for manufacturing companies across Russia.
The joint project will focus on the production of low power cogeneration systems of up to 25 MW, and aims to meet growing demand for power from infrastructure projects.
The micro plants are independent of the normal power grid and directly supply energy without the need for expensive transmission lines and with a reduced risk of power cuts.
Growing demand for individual electric power generation systems in Russia is being driven by continued growth in the industrial sector.
Rising energy prices, growing energy consumption and tougher environmental regulations for industry have led to combined heat and electric power systems taking on a greater role.