OREANDA-NEWS. February 22, 2011. Deputy Prime-Minister - Minister of Industry and New Technologies of the Republic of Kazakhstan Asset Issekeshev visited Ekibastuz GRES-1. During the visit, chief executives of the power plant informed on the long-term investment program implementation to the amount of KZT220.4 bn. The program provides restoration of three nonworking generating units, installation of eight electric air filters, modernization and capital repairs of five nonworking generating units and station equipment, reported the press-centre of KASE.

The enterprise chief executives informed that the mentioned program implementation has been accelerated from the beginning of 2010. It was facilitated by introduction of maximum tariffs for electricity, recovery of the demand in industrial consumers and improvement of technical and  economic indicators of the station. In the past 2010, the station production indicators improved at the expense of the unit average load increase, equipment use optimization and major repairs.

Thus, at the end of 2010, the first high-performance filter has been installed on generating unit #5. In the fourth quarter of 2011, the second electric air filter shall be installed on generating unit #6. the total cost of one electric air filter installation makes up over KZT2 bn.
                                                                             
In 2012, putting into operation of generating unit #8 is being planned. About 400 people from 10 subcontractors participate in the generating unit restoration. At present, the project received 50% of funds. Over 70 contracts for construction- and-assembling operations were signed to the amount of KZT12.8 bn.

On the generating unit #2 has started works one year ahead of schedule that shall allow putting it into operation according to an accelerated schedule. The project total cost is about KZT61 bn. At the end of 2010, were implemented tenders and signed contracts for delivery of equipment for a boiler unit, turbo unit and turbo generator to the amount of KZT20 bn. Introduction of an additional generating unit shall allow creating 25 new work places.

Kazakhmys Corporation Management Board Chairman Eduard Ogay said: "Ekibastuz GRES-1 demonstrates sustainable positive production and financial results during the long period of time. We are confident that Kazakhstan energy leader shall timely introduce additional facilities and satisfy the growing demand for electricity in the country".