Stage 6 has been commissioned at Ust-Khantayskaya HPP, part of Norilsk-Taimyr Energy Company, with new equipment designed to boost energy system stability during peak times.

The equipment replacement project has been in the working since 2014. 63 MW adjustable blade hydroelectric units that have been in service for more than 40 years are being replaced with 73 MW radiaxial units. The new equipment can operate as a synchronous compensator contributing to the stability of the energy system during peak load times.

“Nornickel has long been engaged in power system revamp. Ust-Khantayskaya HPP is one of the renovated facilities accounting for one fourth of total power consumption in the Norilsk Industrial District. The upgrade project envisages replacement of all seven hydroelectric units,” said Sergey Lipin, CEO of NTEC.

Six hydroelectric units have been upgraded so far, with investments exceeding RUB 6 bn. Investments in the replacement of all seven hydroelectric units are expected to stand at more than RUB 7 bn. During its time in service, the new equipment has delivered safe and reliable performance in all modes in accordance with the technical specifications.

Preparations for the construction of Stage 7 are currently underway. In September, a batch of equipment and materials weighing over 800 tonnes was delivered to a warehouse at Ust-Khantayskaya HPP by the Yenisey River. Dismantling of the outdated equipment is scheduled for October.

Replacement of all hydroelectric units at Ust-Khantayskaya HPP is expected to be completed by 2021. Once all seven stages are commissioned, the design capacity of the HPP will increase to 511 MW and maximum annual output will reach 2.4 bn kWh. This is one of the most ambitious energy projects in Russia, with TYAZHMASH selected as the general contractor for the upgrade of Ust-Khantayskaya HPP.

Stage 6 launched at Ust-Khantayskaya HPP