OREANDA-NEWS. July 19, 2011. 40% of all restoration jobs due have been completed at power unit # 8 of Ekibastuz GRES-1. The restoration began in 2009; the power unit is expected to go on-stream in 2012. The project costs exceed KZT23 bn. Putting of the sixth power unit in sequence will add up to 3,000 MWt to the stations' output, reported the press-centre of KASE.

By now, a test assembly of the turbo-generator's internal and mid pressure chambers has been accomplished. Repair of the generator itself is underway; the electric filter has been dismounted. July of this year saw the beginning of delivery of electric equipment for the electric filter manufactured by Alstom Power Stavan, the leading supplier of gas-purifying equipment. In general, the reconstruction programme envisages replacement of the boiling equipment,  turbine, electric accessories and automatic control devices, as well as commissioning of electrostatic filter.

As of today, 64% (KZT15 bn) of the project's overall value has been utilized. 10 subcontractors are deployed in the project, creating 500 temporary jobs every year. By the moment power unit # 8 comes on-stream 25 permanent jobs will be in place at the station.

Taking into account the increasing demand for electric power in Kazakhstan, the launch of the power unit will bring the enterprise's output to 19 bn KWt/h by 2013.