Yushkozerskaya HPP, the Top Step of Kem HPPs Cascade of JSC TGC-1, Was Launched Thirty-Five Years Ago
The first hydroelectric unit of Yushkozerskaya HPP started working on August 24, 1980. Apart from producing power for Kalevala and Muezer regions and Russia's North-West, the HPP routinely regulates the run-off of the river Kem in order to guarantee the functioning of Kem HPPs Cascade downstream.
"Since 1971, one group of workers was building Yushkozerskaya HPP and staff housing in the nearby Yushkozero settlement, while another group was working on engineering protection structures for Kalevala settlement. HPP builders constructed and fortified bridges and built the road from Kalevala to Yushkozero," says Valery Lyulenkov, the director of Yushkozerskaya HPP JSC TGC-1. "Simultaneously, they were building a 330 kV transmission line between Lenenergo - Karelenergo - Kolenergo and another 220 kV line designed to meet the power needs of Kostomuksha mining and processing plant that was under construction."
Pavel Ganin, Deputy Chief Engineer of JSC TGC-1 Karelskiy branch, was a member of the committee overseeing the inspection of two hydroelectric units of Yushkozerskaya HPP.
"Before the construction of Yushkozersk HPP, Yushkozero settlement and neighboring villages had diesel-engine power plants. I remember how excited the Yushkozerskaya HPP team was as they were launching the first hydroelectric unit. It is great that work at HPP unites several generations ranging from workers with 40 years of experience to young specialists. The reliability of Yushkozerskaya HPP is the result of combined efforts of all its workers. Repairs are performed on schedule, and staff are constantly developing their professional skills and getting the necessary information," Pavel Ganin points out.
Currently, the HPP is preparing for the autumn and winter seasons. Recently, we completed major repairs of the second HPP generator. Further plans include replacing oil-switches with vacuum GA -1, 2 switches and replacing VL-110 kV with ORU-110 kV.