GRAZ (Andritz press service) — The Austrian group ANDRITZ has received an order from Barqi Tojik (“Tajik electricity”) for rehabilitation and modernization of the entire electro-mechanical equipment, including the inspection and repair of nine penstocks, for the existing Nurek hydropower plant in Tajikistan.

“In addition to ANDRITZ, two other European companies took part in the tender. The conditions and prices offered by ANDRITZ were supported by the tender commission”, a source in the Barqi Tojik said.

With the current installed capacity of 3,000 MW, Nurek is the largest hydropower plant in Central Asia and covers more than 70% of the national electrical energy demand. The project is funded by the World Bank. The contract value for ANDRITZ amounts to slightly more than €120 mln.

The objectives of the Nurek Hydropower Rehabilitation Project for Tajikistan are to rehabilitate and restore the generating capacity of nine power generating units at Nurek hydropower plant, improve their efficiency, and enhance the safety of the Nurek dam.

The ANDRITZ scope of supply comprises comprehensive modernization of the existing nine generating units by supplying and installing new 380 MW Francis turbines and generators, including new transformers, as well as the electrical and mechanical auxiliary equipment within the power house. After modernization, the installed capacity of the generating units will be increased by about 12%.

The design of the new units takes account of the plant’s annual storage operations and will, therefore, be suitable for operation with a wide range of heads. Together with the Rogun hydropower plant, which is under construction and located upstream of the Nurek reservoir, this project will optimize water storage management on the Vaksh river cascade, ensuring a significant increase in electrical energy production by the Nurek hydropower station as well as meeting the changing grid demands. The contract also stipulates that environmental conservation measures and water management requirements must be incorporated.

The rehabilitation of Nurek will safeguard the electrical energy supply in the Republic of Tajikistan and make an important contribution towards the strategic use of renewable energy from hydropower in Central Asia. It also offers interesting opportunities for exporting energy to neighbouring countries, with the related economic benefits for the countries concerned.