DUSHANBE, December 7, Asia-Plus — Specialists from India’s National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Ltd (NHPC) and Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) are currently in Tajikistan to discuss modernization of Varzob-1 hydropower plant, Rashid Gulov, deputy engineer-in-chief with Barqi Tojik, said in an interview with Asia-Plus.
According to him, the modernization of the plant will enable it to increase utilization and efficiency. “Under the project two new generators will be installed and plant’s capacity will be brought to 9.4 MW,” Gulov said.
He said that an agreement on providing a grant worth US$13 million to Barqi Tojik for modernization of Varzob-1 power plant is expected to be signed before the end of this week.
“We now have to project a plan of actions on reconstruction of this hydropower plant,” Gulov said, noting that Varzob Cascade consists of three hydropower stations (a total of 25 MW). “The largest of them is Varzob-2 with the capacity of 14.76 MW and the rated capacity of Varzob-1 is 7.15 MW,” the power holding official noted.
Constructed in 1936, Vorzob-1 station supplies electrical power to a small part of the Varzob district. Experts expect Varzob Cascade hydropower stations to double generation of electricity by 2015.
Tajikistan”s hydro resources are unique and top-ranked. According to experts, electricity production in Tajikistan for 15 years of independence on average amounted to 17 billion kWh.
According to the Tajikistan”s National Strategy for Energy Sector Development (2006-2015) their electricity output is estimated to reach 26.4 billion kWh by 2010 and 35.0 billion kWh by 2015.
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 Government 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.
BHEL is the largest engineering and manufacturing enterprise in India in the energy-related/infrastructure sector, today. BHEL was established more than 40 years ago, ushering in the indigenous Heavy Electrical Equipment industry in India. BHEL manufactures over 180 products under 30 major product groups and caters.
