Tajik hydro plant hit by another delay

DUSHANBE, May 14 - A Russian-built hydroelectric power plant in Tajikistan will reach full capacity later than planned due to technical issues, a Russian ambassador to the Central Asian state said on Thursday.

The mountainous former Soviet republic relies on hydroelectric power for its energy needs and regularly faces power shortages.

An energy deficit could also hurt Tajikistan's electricity-intensive alumininium production which accounts for 75 percent of its hard currency earnings.

The Sangtuda-1 power plant was due to reach full capacity on May 15 with the launch of its fourth production unit. But Russian ambassador Yuri Popov said the launch would be delayed.

"I am sure... that certain technical issues that have not been addressed yet will be resolved in the nearest future," Popov told reporters.

A source at Sangtuda-1 told Reuters the launch would not happen untul July or August this year.

Russia has an 83.55 percent stake in Sangtuda-1 while Tajikistan owns the remaining 16.45 percent. The project cost $720 million.