Generators and Electrical Components

First unit upgrade completed at Qairokkum hydropower plant in Tajikistan

First unit upgrade completed at Qairokkum hydropower plant in Tajikistan
(photo courtesy GE Vernova)

GE Vernova’s Hydro Power business announced it has completed the upgrade of the first of six Kaplan turbine and generator units at the Qairokkum hydropower plant in Tajikistan.

After the refurbishment process, unit capacity increased to 29 MW (from 21 MW) and the unit has been connected to the grid. When completed, all six refurbished units will have a capacity of 29 MW, bringing the total plant capacity to 174 MW.

The state-owned Qairokkum hydro plant is over 60 years old and is located on the Syr Darya River in the northwestern province of Sughd. It is the sole source of electricity for about 500,000 people in the province. The refurbishment work will help extend the lifetime of the plant and its capacity to deliver even more clean and sustainable energy.

GE was selected, with Barki Tojik, to refurbish the six Kaplan units. The scope of work includes the upgrade of the six turbines and generators, as well as part of the balance of plant and site supervision for its supplied equipment. GE Vernova leads the consortium, which includes Cobra – a division of ACS Group. The plant is expected to be fully modernized by mid-2025.

As 90% of Tajikistan’s electricity comes from hydropower, it is critical to adapt existing and new hydropower assets to future operation conditions, according to a release. Qairokkum was chosen to pilot how a plant can enhance its performance through rehabilitation. Thanks to an improved design of the turbines, the plant will not only be able to produce more energy but also address variations of water flow in the region.

“The work done in Tajikistan on making hydropower plants climate resilient is essential for our industry’s future and the global energy transition that we all support,” said Bodo Mayer, Hydro Power EMEA Leader, GE Vernova. “We are extremely honored to contribute to this project and for the completion of the first unit’s rehabilitation. This remarkable boost in capacity sets the stage for even greater clean energy production as we prepare to bring five more units online.”

GE Vernova’s Hydro Power business provides hydropower solutions to deliver more renewable energy to the world in a reliable and sustainable way. From services solutions to pumped storage, its portfolio includes a broad range of hydro solutions and services.