On April 3 (local time), speaking at the Energoprom 2026 forum, Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilyov warned that the energy system of the Far East is facing a major challenge. According to forecasts, by 2031, this region will form 3 "zones of depression" of severe power shortage, including: the central part of Yakutia, southern Primorsky region and part of the energy system in Khabarovsk.
To ensure energy security in the short term, the Russian Ministry of Energy has approved a plan to extend operations for existing power generation facilities with a total capacity of 459 MW. This is a necessary step to maximize available infrastructure while waiting for new sources of supply. At the same time, Russia is accelerating the construction of an additional 35.5 MW of new power generation capacity and a series of auxiliary power grid projects to enhance transmission capacity for residential areas.
However, Minister Tsivilyov admitted that these temporary solutions are still not enough to fully offset the expected electricity demand in Khabarovsk and the Primorsky region. Therefore, the Russian government is looking for an optimal and more long-term solution.
The key plan currently is to build a completely new power generation facility. Experts are carefully assessing input fuel options to ensure economic efficiency and stable supply capacity in all harsh weather conditions.
Strengthening energy infrastructure is not only for daily life but also the core foundation for Russia's economic strategy. The Far East region is an important trade gateway towards the East, where many heavy industry and mineral exploitation projects are concentrated. A stable and overcapacity power system will be a plan to attract investment, promote infrastructure modernization and enhance Russia's geopolitical position in the Pacific region.
It is expected that the final decisions on location and technology for the new power plant will soon be approved after the field survey process ends. The Russian government is committed to prioritizing resources to eliminate energy shortages, turning the Far East into a dynamic and sustainable growth pole in the next decade. The coordination between state-owned energy corporations and local authorities is expected to help the project soon go into operation on schedule.
