Kargalinskoye Reservoir Modernization to Include Small Hydroelectric Plant

The reconstruction project for the Kargalinskoye Reservoir in the Aktobe region – which includes the construction of a small hydroelectric power plant – has been submitted for state expertise. The modernization of the hydraulic facility will combine infrastructure upgrades with the establishment of a new energy generation source.

The project documentation, commissioned by the Aktobe branch of Kazvodkhoz, covers a comprehensive range of hydraulic structures. Planned works include the repair of the earth dam, the water discharge tract, and the flood spillway, alongside the restoration of an 18–kilometer main irrigation canal. The integration of a small hydroelectric plant into the existing water release system will allow for the conversion of kinetic energy from discharged water into electricity.

The Kargalinskoye hydraulic complex provides essential water resources to the local agricultural sector. During the most recent growing season, the reservoir supplied 27.7 million cubic meters of water to regional producers. Supplemental volumes were provided by adjacent bodies of water – the Aktobe Reservoir delivered 28.5 million cubic meters, while the Sazdinskoye Reservoir provided 2.6 million cubic meters.

Water deliveries during the last season were conducted without interruption, ensuring that agricultural enterprises received their requested volumes in full. The region currently manages approximately 11,000 hectares of irrigated land used for grains, oilseeds, fodder crops, potatoes, vegetables, and melons. The timeline for the start of construction at the Kargalinskoye Reservoir will be determined once state authorities have approved the project documentation.