Shardarinskaya HPP to be more powerful and reliable
A large-scale modernization of the Shardara hydroelectric station, within which all four hydroelectric units will be replaced, is extremely necessary: almost all equipment is completely worn out. After the completion of the reconstruction, an increase of 26% is expected.
The first step in a large reconstruction will be the launch of the first hydraulic unit, scheduled for December of this year.
In parallel, work is underway to install the second, as well as the dismantling of the third hydraulic unit. All units are planning to replace before the spring of 2020.
According to Samruk-Energo specialists, this modernization will allow increasing the capacity of the Shardarinsk HPP by 26 percent: from 100 MW to 126 MW.
Moreover, the new equipment guarantees an increase in the reliability of the station and a reduction in the level of accidents. In addition, the service life of the hydroelectric station will increase to 35−40 years.
As a bonus: the station will be able to generate 57 million kWh per year extra.
Shardarinskaya HPP was launched back in 1967: the station has been operational for 51 years. Experts say that the standard service life of process equipment is 25 years.
It turns out that all the equipment at the Shardarinskaya HPP operates twice as long as it should.
“Equipment depreciation amounted to almost 100% by the beginning of the modernization project. Part of the electrical equipment installed at the hydro station is no longer produced at the manufacturing plants and has been discontinued.
Further operation of the equipment has become inexpedient from the point of view of economics and reliability of operation,” the specialists noted.
According to specialists of Samruk-Energy, the project is of great importance for providing electricity to the energy-deficient Turkestan region and improving the efficiency of water use in the region.
By the way, the modernization project will cost 38 billion tenge. Some of these funds, namely 68 percent of the total amount, are borrowed.
