Hydroelectric Power Plant put into service in East Kazakhstan region
A small Turgusun Hydroelectric Power Plant has been put into operation in Altai district of East Kazakhstan region. The project partner is the China International Water and Energy Corporation (PRC). The project is being implemented with the support of NC KAZAKHINVEST JSC.
According to the investors, the construction of a 24.9 MW HPP on the Turgusun River began in 2016. The commissioning of the Power Plant will lower the cost of electricity production and reduce its deficit by 78 million kWh per year. After the launch of the Hydroelectric Power Plant, a 60-hectares reservoir is formed accumulating up to 7.6 million cubic meters of water.
“Construction of a hydroelectric power plant is a landmark project for East Kazakhstan. It enables to create regional generating capacities for the production of cheap alternative electricity as well as to trump most of the volumes purchased. At the same time, there is no need to spend money for electricity transportation, which is one of the most expensive components of the tariff,” said the representatives of the foreign company.
As a result of the project implementation, it is planned to create 15 new permanent jobs. Also, with the launch of the Turgusun Hydroelectric Power Plant, it is predicted to reduce emissions of carbon oxides into the atmosphere by 680 tons per year in East Kazakhstan region. “The site for the construction of the facility was chosen for a special reason. The Turgusun river is full of water, there is a possibility of creating a capacious reservoir for accumulating reserve stocks. For hydroelectric power plants, strength is crucial. The Turgusun station has already been tested by 50-degree frosts and high water. It should be noted that the working resource of small hydroelectric power plants is 50 years or more,” said the project manager of the hydroelectric power station Kalaubek Baimukhanbetov.
Alongside with that, as investors note, the construction of the Turgusun Hydroelectric Power Plant will give a start for building several more hydroelectric power plants on the Turgusun River.
For reference: China International Water and Energy Corporation is a Chinese construction and engineering consulting company specializing in the construction of water and hydropower facilities.