Irtysh will be closed: Krasnogorsk hydroelectric power plant will be built by 2029
Mezhregionstroy Company plans to complete the first stage of construction of the Krasnogorsk hydroelectric complex on the cross-border Irtysh River by the end of 2026. This waterworks, the construction of which began in 2011, is part of a Comprehensive plan for the use of the Irtysh River, developed in the 1950s in the USSR. The plan provides for the creation of a cascade of waterworks to improve navigation and water supply in the region.
The Krasnogorsk hydroelectric complex, according to the developers, is designed to solve a number of important tasks, including ensuring navigation on difficult sections of the river, stabilizing the operation of water intakes in Omsk in conditions of water shortage and improving water quality due to its natural purification in the reservoir. The implementation of the project, financed from the federal and regional budgets, faced a number of difficulties. In 2014, due to the bankruptcy of the general contractor, NPO Mostovik, the work was suspended. Subsequent attempts to resume construction with the participation of the company “UEC” in 2016-2017 were also unsuccessful.
The authorities of the Omsk region decided to divide the construction into two stages. The first stage involves the commissioning of the main hydraulic structures of the left bank and the shipping lock without creating a reservoir. The second stage provides for the completion of the construction of all structures, the creation of a reservoir and the commissioning of a hydroelectric power plant in permanent operation.
In 2019, the project of the first stage, adjusted by Volgaenergoproekt, received a positive conclusion from Glavgosexpertiza of Russia. Since 2022, Mezhregionstroy has become the general contractor. However, in 2023, due to the detected deformations and filtration at the base of previously erected structures, an additional survey was required, which was conducted by the Lengiprechtrans Institute. Work on a number of facilities has been suspended.
In 2024, Lengiprechtrans developed project documentation for the adjustment of the first stage, which is currently undergoing state expertise. Despite the suspension of the main works, Mezhregionstroy retained personnel and equipment at the site, maintaining unfinished structures and continuing work that does not depend on project adjustments.
The Mezhregionstroy company reports that from March 2025, the construction of the waterworks will resume at an accelerated pace. The first stage is planned to be completed by the end of 2026, so that already in the navigation of 2027 it can be operated according to a temporary scheme. This will allow us to start blocking the Irtysh riverbed for the construction of the second stage. It is noted that, despite the two-year break, the construction period will increase by only one year.
The project documentation for the second stage, developed by Lengiprechtrans, is also under state examination. According to the roadmap, the commissioning of the waterworks according to the permanent scheme is scheduled for navigation in 2029.
