The blue fuel will be used at the new Malokurilskaya gas and diesel power plant on Shikotan. It is Russia’s first dual-fueled power plant operating on Russian-made equipment, the press service of the Sakhalin Region Government reports.

The power plant offers a capacity of 5.3 MW, which will ensure stable power supply to residential buildings and industrial facilities. The first gas-powered generator (1.1 MW) has already been launched, with the rest of the power plant to enter full operation next year. The new energy facility is to improve the reliability of power supply on the Kuril Islands, potentially prompting new investment projects.

The new power plant will primarily run on natural gas, a cost-efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to diesel fuel. It is expected that this setup will improve air quality and ensure stable power supply to households.

It should be noted that the upgrade of the energy infrastructure in the Sakhalin Region was ordered by President of Russia Vladimir Putin. A modernization roadmap until 2026 and a comprehensive power supply layout until 2035 have been developed for the project.