The technology center expands GE’s in-country capabilities to deliver its products and services to customers across Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) that are pushing to modernize their energy assets, according to the company.

“General Electric’s project in the Kaluga region is further proof of the fact that foreign business and regional authorities are able to work constructively and productively in modern Russia,” said Anatoly Dmitrievich Artamonov, governor of the Kaluga Region. “The project is significant for us as an example of effective cooperation in the high-tech sphere.”

In March, GE signed an agreement with the government of the Kaluga Region, the Kaluga Region Development Corp. and the administration of Kaluga City to construct the technology center.

GE’s initial investment in the Kaluga center is U.S. $30 million, but that figure is expected to grow to $50 million by the time the facility is commissioned in late 2010, according to the company.

John Krenicki, GE vice chairman and president and CEO of GE Energy, noted that the GE power technology center “will expand the opportunities for local employment and training in high-tech engineering positions.”

“We plan to initially employ between 50 and 75 highly skilled Russian engineers and sales staff at the Kaluga facility, who will have access to GE Energy’s world-class training and development programs,” he said. “We also are exploring the sourcing of products and components for the center from the region’s suppliers.”

GE has been active in Russia since the early 1900s, according to the company. GE’s installed base of equipment in Russia and the CIS includes more than 560 gas turbines, 660 compressors, 65 steam turbines and 800 units of additional equipment. In addition, more than 230 GE Jenbacher gas engines have been delivered throughout Russia, in applications ranging from flare gas reduction to high-efficiency combined heat and power projects, according to GE.