Premier: Gov't Looking for Solution to Replace Turbines in Gabcikovo HPP

Bratislava, December 1 (TASR) - The government is looking for a solution to replace the turbines in the Gabcikovo hydro-power plant (HPP), Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) stated on Friday, adding that he doesn't want modernisation to be stopped by public procurement or permitting procedures as the lifetime of the turbines has been outdated for a long time. "We expect the replacement of the turbines to take place in full operation. We cannot afford to lose this precious electricity," pointed out Fico. Environment Minister Tomas Taraba (an SNS nominee) claims that the documentation for replacing the turbines and the finances are ready. Taraba would prefer the fastest possible selection process of a technical nature and the adoption of a strategic decision by the government. "If someone thinks that these turbines, which are already 10-15 years past their lifespan, will last another ten years, then they are gambling with Slovakia's economic interests," noted the head of the Environment Ministry. Thanks to a European project, the right and left locks in Gabcikovo have been modernised. "We've completed the first step related to the modernisation of the locks. ... If we want to maintain the production of clean energy and prevent potential economic damage, we need to modernise the turbo generators. This investment has the top priority," noted Taraba. am/mcs