DUSAHNBE, July 6, Asia-Plus — Tajikistan and India are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on modernization of the Varzob-1 power plant in Dushanbe in mid-July, Asia-Plus has learned at Tajik power holding Barqi Tojik.
The source at Barqi Tojik said that senior representatives from of India’s companies National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (NHPC) and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) will arrive in Tajikistan to sign the memorandum.
According to him, the Indian companies intend to provide $13 million for modernization of the Varzob-1 power plant. “Modernization will allow increasing the plant’s capacity from 3.5 MW to 9.4 MW,” the source said.
3.5 MW Varzob-1, one of three power plants pf the Varzob Cascade (a total of more than 26 MW), was constructed in 1936. Varzob Cascade hydropower stations also include Varzob-2 (14.76 MW) and Varzob-3 (3.52 MW). They also need to be rehabilitated to increase utilization and efficiency.
Specialists from Barqi Tojik say that the Varzob-1 power plant has practically not been in operation over the last years and rehabilitation would include primarily the turbines, runners, substations, and ancillary equipment, such as pumps, compressors, and some piping.
National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (NHPC), A Govt. of India Enterprise, was incorporated in the year 1975 with an authorized capital of Rs. 2000 million and with an objective to plan, promote and organize an integrated and efficient development of hydroelectric power in all aspects. Later on NHPC expanded its objects to include other sources of energy like Geothermal, Tidal, Wind etc. At present, NHPC is a schedule ”A” Enterprise of the Govt. of India with an authorized share capital of Rs. 1,50,000 million. With an investment base of over Rs. 2,20,000 million, NHPC is among the top ten companies in India in terms of investment.
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) is India’s largest manufacturer of heavy electrical machinery. The US $ 3.3 billion company designs and manufacturers more than 50 products at 11 plants, including large hydro generators at Bhopal.
