En+ Group replaces the second hydroelectric unit at the Irkutsk HPP

En+ Group, the world’s leading producer of low-carbon aluminium and largest private sector generator of hydropower, announces the start of their replacement of hydraulic unit No.1 at the Irkutsk HPP. The new hydraulic unit’s parts have already arrived at the plant.

The turbine shaft, impellor and six blades, which cumulatively weigh over 170.5 tons, have been delivered to the HPP’s mounting platform from the manufacturer. All of the components for replacing the Irkutsk HPP’s hydraulic unit are unique as they were manufactured especially for En+ Group and transported using specific equipment. HPP specialists, together with the representatives of the main contracting company LLC "EuroSibEnergo-Engineering", have already begun preparing for the dismantling works. In November earlier this year, one of the old Irkutsk HPP’s hydraulic units was successfully replaced.

Mikhail Hardikov, head of En+ Group's energy sector, said:
"Having already launched the first new hydraulic unit at the Irkutsk HPP, we are continuing to progress with the HPP’s equipment modernisation project. This will increase overall performance and the HPP’s capacity by another 23 MW. It will also allow us to reduce the repair works’ cost, improve units’ operating characteristics and improve occupational safety.”

The Irkutsk HPP renovation programme is part of En+ Group’s large-scale modernisation project called "New energy", implemented at the Angara-Yenisei cascade HPPs (Ust-Ilimsk, Bratsk, Irkutsk and Krasnoyarsk HPPs). “New energy” is a key investment project of En+ Group’s energy sector, which is worth 21 billion roubles, launched in 2007. One of the core priorities of the project is to improve the reliability and safety of all stations. The comprehensive replacement of not only the main equipment like hydraulic units and impellers, but also auxiliary equipment will be carried out under the programme.