Moscow. 5 July 2006. The construction teams of OOO "Daggidrospetsstroy" have completed the Khusa-Kardonikskaya-Marukha tunnel, which is one of the key elements the third start-up facility at the Zelenchukskaya HPP. The facility is scheduled to become operational for December of 2006.

The construction of the 5.2-km long tunnel was accomplished by drilling and blasting from both sides of the mountain range. The tunnel has a sectional area of more than 13.5 m² and a capacity of 45 m³ per second. Work is currently underway to construct concrete lining and prepare the tunnel for water passage.

The third start-up facility comprises a diversion unit, crossover canal, a tunnel and penstocks. When completed, it will divert water from the Bolshoy Zelenchuk River to the Zelenchukskaya HPP and help double the plant's electricity generation to 401 million kWh annually. The total project cost is estimated at RUB1,450 million. The project is financed with centralized investment allocations of RAO "UES of Russia".