December 22, Minsk /Anna Kot - BELTA/. Construction of 400 MW combined cycle power units has commenced at Berezovskaya and Lukomlskaya thermal power plants (TPPs), BELTA was informed at the "Belenergo" state production association. Architectural designs for the construction of 400 MW combined cycle power units at Berezovskaya and Lukomlskaya TPPs, developed by the Chinese side, have successfully passed expert review. "In accordance with the schedule, work on the pile field foundation has begun, which will allow for concrete pouring in May 2012," the association clarified. The commissioning of the facilities is scheduled for 2014. Turnkey construction contracts between RUP "Brestenergo", RUP "Vitebskenergo" and CMEC (China Machinery Engineering Corporation) were signed in December 2010. The contracts for the integrated construction and supply of combined cycle power units will be financed by 85% from preferential buyer's credit from the Export-Import Bank of China (Eximbank). The construction of two 400 MW combined cycle power units at Lukomlskaya and Berezovskaya TPPs with the decommissioning of inefficient equipment is envisaged by the energy potential development strategy of Belarus for the period up to the end of 2020. The implementation of these projects will lead to the upgrade of generating equipment and an increase in the overall efficiency of the power plants. Lukomlskaya TPP is a branch of RUP "Vitebskenergo" of the "Belenergo" state production association. The station has eight power units. The installed capacity of Lukomlskaya TPP is 2459.5 MW, which accounts for over 30% of the installed capacity of the entire energy system of Belarus. In summer (the period of highest load on the station's capacities), it generates about 60% of the electricity produced in the republic. Berezovskaya TPP belongs to RUP "Brestenergo" of the "Belenergo" state production association. The first unit of the station with a capacity of 160 MW was launched in 1961. In total, the TPP has six power units. The installed capacity of the station is 1060 MW. In 2003, the reconstruction of the station was completed with the introduction of a combined cycle for unit No. 4, and in 2005, for unit No. 3. In 2011, the reconstruction of unit No. 5 is planned to be completed.