Modernization: new opportunities of the old HPS
In recent years, a number of major projects have been consistently implemented in the hydraulic engineering sector. Large-scale work is being carried out in the field of construction of new HPS and modernization of existing investment projects.
Systematic work is underway in the country to put into operation new capacities. In cooperation with leading Chinese enterprises in the field of hydropower and with the assistance of the Government of Uzbekistan, the modernization of HPS-10 as part of the Cascade of Chirchik HPS has now been completed.
It should be emphasized that the construction of the first stage of this HPS was started in 1941 and put into operation in 1943. Construction of the second stage was started in 1948. The second stage of the HPS, put into operation in 1951, its total installed capacity was 34.7 MW (Hydraulic unit H-1 10.7 MW, and hydraulic unit H-2 24.0 MW).
In 2017, the President of the country adopted a resolution "On the program of measures for the further development of hydropower for 2017-2021". In March 2021, in accordance with the approved plans and projects, construction began. Within 2 years, according to the investment project, work was carried out to modernize HPS-10 step by step. In the process of modernization, construction and installation works, assembly and installation of technical equipment, procurement of spare parts, landscaping and planting of the territory were organized, technological buildings and structures were also built.
The project was carried out on the main cooperation of foreign and local companies, such as “China National Technical Import and Export Corporation” (PRC), JSC “Uzbekhydroenergo”, JSC “Uzbekhydroenergostroy” and JSC “Hydroproject”.
After the modernization of HPS-10, it allowed to bring the station to modern operational requirements, as well as to increase the average long-term electricity generation from 171.6 to 213.8 million kWh per year, i.e. by 42.2 million kWh per year, due to an increase in capacity and reliable without emergency operation of the station hydraulic unit. The capacity of the second unit HU-2 from 24 MW increases to 29 MW.
Progress in the hydropower industry of Uzbekistan will not only serve to increase the capacity of electricity production, but will also affect the indicators of ensuring the well-being of the people.