OREANDA-NEWS. December 28, 2012. Kazakhmys PLC announces the successful completion of the commissioning of Unit 8 at Ekibastuz GRES-1, taking capacity at the power station from 2,500 MW to 3,000 MW.

The commissioning of Unit 8 commenced in July, following a three year refurbishment programme. The commissioning has been delivered on schedule and within the original USD 156 million budget.

Ekibastuz GRES-1, the largest power station in Kazakhstan, is undergoing a major refurbishment and modernisation programme to return the power station to its nameplate capacity of 4,000 MW by 2017. The power station now has six operational turbines. Rehabilitation of the dormant Units 2 and 1 will be completed in 2014 and 2016, respectively. Funding for the increase in capacity is being provided from the internally generated cashflows of Ekibastuz GRES-1.

In addition to the commissioning of the new turbine, Ekibastuz GRES-1 has completed the installation of an electrostatic precipitator at Unit 4 in December 2012. The new equipment will increase the ash trapping ratio of Unit 4 to 99.6% further improving the efficiency and the environmental footprint of the power station. Electrostatic precipitators are now installed at four of the six operational turbines, with the remaining electrostatic precipitators expected to be installed by 2013. Electrostatic precipitators will also be installed at the currently dormant Units 1 and 2 as part of their rehabilitation programme.

Oleg Novachuk, Chief Executive Officer of Kazakhmys said: "The commissioning of Unit 8 marks the successful completion of a major milestone in the modernisation programme at Ekibastuz GRES-1 on time and on budget. The increase in power generation is important both for Ekibastuz GRES-1 and is critical to meeting the power needs to support the continued economic growth in Kazakhstan.”