A large-scale program to replace hydro turbines at the Bratsk hydroelectric power station in the Irkutsk region is coming to an end. The last hydraulic unit impeller has been delivered to the site, which effectively completes the upgrade of key elements of the station's equipment.
The technical re-equipment is being carried out as part of the "New Energy" corporate program implemented by the En+ energy holding. The modernization of all hydraulic units of the Bratsk HPP is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026. It is expected that after the updated equipment is put into operation, the station's efficiency will increase by approximately 5% without changing the hydrological regime and water discharge volumes.
The new hydro turbine was developed by Russian engineers, and the production was carried out at a domestic machine-building enterprise. As a result of the modernization, all 18 hydraulic units of the station will be equipped with modern blade systems, which will improve the reliability, energy efficiency and operational characteristics of the equipment. The company emphasizes that in terms of the scale of the work performed, the facility is actually undergoing a complete technical reconfiguration.
The "New Energy" program covers the four largest hydroelectric power plants of the En+ group — Krasnoyarsk, Bratsk, Irkutsk and Ust-Ilimsk HPPs. The total investment in the modernization of generating capacities exceeds 21 billion rubles and is aimed at extending the life of equipment, reducing specific operating costs and increasing the environmental efficiency of hydro generation.