A Russian state electricity provider is reportedly gearing up for a business deal with North Korea.
 
The Korean version of Radio Free Asia (RFA) quoted Russian daily Kommersant Thursday, saying that RAO ES Vostoka, Russia’s state-controlled electric power company, will embark on a feasibility study for a project providing electricity to the Rason free trade zone in the northeastern part of North Korea.
 
RFA said that the Russian company will choose an agency to conduct the feasibility study by early next month.
 
If the feasibility study produces a positive prospect for the project, the company will immediately start building power transmission lines and other infrastructure with the goal of supplying power to the North beginning next year.
 
Under the project, Russia will send residual power from Primorsky Krai, a far-eastern Russian province bordering North Korea, to Rason.
 
Kommersant reported that Russia plans to supply power to South Korea as well if the project with the North is deemed successful.