On September 19-20, 2024, the International Mechanical Engineering Forum was held for the fifth time in the Yaroslavl Region, initiated by the PSM production and engineering company. The annual event brought together representatives from over 120 companies from key industries across the country—from gold mining to data center construction—for an open dialogue on small-scale power generation.
The main agenda of the first day of the forum traditionally focused on autonomous power sources—diesel and gas power plants. The equipment is used for primary and backup power for fields, factories, electrical substations, and other critical facilities throughout Russia. Participants discussed the import of components under sanctions, in particular, the experience of using Chinese-made engines. Business with China became one of the most prominent topics of the forum, touching not only on legal but also ethical issues regarding the mentality of partners from the Celestial Empire.
Forum speakers presented projects for electricity generation and distribution systems for facilities of federal significance: from the first small-scale nuclear power plant in the Arctic to the largest Arctic plant for the production of liquefied natural gas. In addition to design, production, and operation issues, forum participants discussed ways to overcome personnel shortages, industrial design case studies, and the construction of new plants.
The Mechanical Engineering Forum brought together representatives from Russia's largest companies: NOVATEK, Rosneft, ALROSA, Severstal, Nordgold, Rosseti, MTS, Rostelecom, and others. However, the forum gained international status thanks to the attention of key Chinese energy equipment manufacturers—companies «Yuchai Power», «Weichai Power» and «EvoTec Power Generation».
The second day of the forum took place in Tutayev, where the grand opening of the new PSM Prime plant building was held. Participants were able to see the production of power plants live: work continued in the operating workshops during the forum. PSM Prime presented high-voltage diesel power plants with high unit capacity—from 1.4 to 2.4 MW—based on Cummins, MTU, Baudouin, and Mitsubishi engines.
— Over the 19 years of its existence, PSM has implemented energy center projects with a total shipped capacity of 1900 MW. Engineering and production are the foundation, but the experience of operating the equipment is extremely important to us. That is why we organize the Mechanical Engineering Forum—to hear those who work with our product and to become better. The second stage of the PSM Prime plant will allow us to increase production volume to adequately meet the demand for power equipment. We plan to build three more new factory buildings, — said Andrey Medvedev, General Director of PSM.
The organizers of the forum emphasize that the main principle of the "Fifth Mechanical Engineering Forum" is openness. It is important that such platforms appear not only at the federal level but also in the regions. Objective dialogue and joint decision-making can give a powerful impetus to the development of Russian industry.
