Russia plans to start operating two new power stations in Crimea at full capacity on March 18, five sources familiar with the plans told Reuters on Wednesday.
The launch of the Sevastopol and Simferopol power stations at full capacity, which follows a partial launch last year, will coincide with the possible visit, the five sources said, Reuters reported.
Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend the launch of the Sevastopol power station, the sources said.
Read alsoPutin to visit Crimea to celebrate anniversary of occupation – Russian media
Technopromexport, the Russian company building the power stations, declined to comment. The Kremlin and Energy Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Russia began building the power stations in Crimea to provide electricity to the peninsula, but the facilities became embroiled in a row over sanctions.
German engineering firm Siemens says Russia clandestinely delivered several of its turbines to Crimea despite European sanctions which ban the supply of energy technology to Crimea.
Russia's energy ministry says the turbines were not from Siemens. It said they were modernised turbines that were the work of Russian specialists and Russian equipment.
