Kyrgyzstan Begins Modernization of Oldest Hydropower Plant
Reconstruction of the Uch-Kurgan Hydroelectric Power Plant – the oldest HPP on the Naryn River in Kyrgyzstan – has commenced. The company Electric Stations has begun the simultaneous upgrade of two hydro units. This modernization, prompted by rising electricity demand, was directed by the republic’s Ministry of Energy to boost the generation capacity of aging facilities.
Work is currently underway on dismantling the existing equipment. The removal of the second hydro unit is 90 percent complete, and the disassembly of the first unit has started in parallel. Following the complete removal of the end-of-life equipment, engineers will proceed with the installation of modern turbines.
The Uch-Kurgan HPP comprises four hydro units, each with an original capacity of approximately 45 MW. Prior to the renovation, the plant’s annual output was slightly over 800 million kilowatt-hours. The equipment replacement is expected to increase the total installed capacity from 180 MW to 216 MW, raising annual generation to more than 984 million kilowatt-hours. The commissioning of the upgraded units is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.
The power plant, which supplies electricity to Kyrgyzstan’s southern regions, has operated continuously since it was launched in 1962. Its original equipment has functioned for twice the 30–35 year operational lifespan projected by Soviet engineers. A full replacement of worn components is set to extend the facility’s service life for several more decades.
