Overview
The Shamaldy-Say Hydro Power Plant is an operational hydroelectric facility located in Kyrgyzstan, situated on the Naryn River between the settlements of Tash-Kömür and Shamaldy-Say. The plant is positioned approximately 14 km downstream from the Tash-Kömür Hydroelectric Power Station, forming part of a cluster of three hydro power plants on the river Naryn near Tash-Kömür. Construction of the facility was completed between 1992 and 1996, establishing it as a key component of the regional energy infrastructure in the Naryn River basin.
The power station has a total nominal capacity of 180 MW, generated by three individual turbines, each with a nominal output of around 80 MW. The plant's infrastructure includes a dam that is 37 m (121 ft) tall. This dam creates a reservoir with a total volume of 41,000,000 m3 (33,239 acre⋅ft), of which 5,500,000 m3 (4,459 acre⋅ft) is designated as active storage for power generation. The facility remains active in the Kyrgyz energy grid, contributing to the hydroelectric output of the country through its three-turbine configuration.
Geography and Location
The Shamaldy-Say Hydroelectric Power Station is situated in Kyrgyzstan, strategically positioned along the course of the Naryn River. The facility is located in the specific stretch of the river between the settlements of Tash-Kömür and Shamaldy-Say. This geographical placement is integral to the hydrological management of the Naryn River basin, contributing to the regional energy infrastructure.
Within the local hydroelectric network, the Shamaldy-Say plant is one of three hydro power plants situated near Tash-Kömür. Its precise location is defined by its proximity to the Tash-Kömür Hydroelectric Power Station. Specifically, the Shamaldy-Say facility is located 14 km downstream from the Tash-Kömür Hydroelectric Power Station. This downstream positioning allows for sequential water flow management and energy extraction along the river's gradient.
Hydrological Infrastructure
The physical infrastructure of the Shamaldy-Say Hydroelectric Power Station includes a dam that creates a significant reservoir. The dam structure stands 37 m (121 ft) tall. This elevation is sufficient to generate the necessary head for the plant's turbines while managing the water volume of the Naryn River.
The reservoir created by the dam has a total volume of 41,000,000 m3 (33,239 acre⋅ft). This active volume represents the portion of the reservoir that is cycled through the turbines to produce electricity, while the remaining capacity serves as dead storage or buffer volume.
| Geographic Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Country | Kyrgyzstan |
| River | Naryn River |
| Location Description | Between Tash-Kömür and Shamaldy-Say |
| Distance from Tash-Kömür HPP | 14 km downstream |
| Dam Height | 37 m (121 ft) |
| Total Reservoir Volume | 41,000,000 m3 (33,239 acre⋅ft) |
| Active Reservoir Volume | 5,500,000 m3 (4,459 acre⋅ft) |
Construction History
The Shamaldy-Say Hydroelectric Power Station was completed between 1992 and 1996. This four-year construction period established the facility as a key component of the hydroelectric infrastructure on the Naryn River in Kyrgyzstan. It forms part of a cluster of three hydro power plants on the river near Tash-Kömür, contributing to the regional energy grid’s capacity.
Project Completion and Technical Specifications
The completion of the Shamaldy-Say Hydro Power Plant in 1996 marked the end of its primary construction phase, which began in 1992. This dam creates a reservoir with a total volume of 41,000,000 m3. Of this total volume, 5,500,000 m3 is designated as active storage for power generation purposes. The plant’s design incorporates 3 individual turbines. Each turbine has a nominal output of around 80 MW. This configuration results in a total nominal capacity of 180 MW for the facility.
The plant is classified as an active hydro power plant. Its operational status remains operational. The location on the Naryn River allows for consistent water flow utilization. The proximity to the Tash-Kömür Hydroelectric Power Station facilitates coordinated energy management in the region. The construction timeline of 1992 to 1996 reflects the engineering efforts required to integrate the dam, reservoir, and turbine systems into the existing hydroelectric network.
The Shamaldy-Say Hydro Power Station’s completion contributed to Kyrgyzstan’s hydroelectric capacity. The plant’s 180 MW total nominal capacity supports regional power demands. The reservoir’s 41,000,000 m3 total volume provides significant water storage. The 5,500,000 m3 active storage ensures reliable power generation. The 37 m tall dam is a critical structural element. The 3 turbines with 80 MW nominal output each enable efficient energy conversion. The plant’s location 14 km downstream from Tash-Kömür optimizes the use of the Naryn River’s flow. The facility remains a functional part of Kyrgyzstan’s energy infrastructure.
Technical Specifications
The Shamaldy-Say Hydroelectric Power Station operates as a run-of-river facility situated on the Naryn River, positioned 14 km downstream from the Tash-Kömür Hydroelectric Power Station. The plant's hydraulic infrastructure is defined by a dam structure standing 37 m (121 ft) in height. The plant was completed between 1992 and 1996 and remains operational.
Turbine Configuration and Capacity
The power generation system consists of three individual turbine units. The combined total nominal capacity of the three units is 180 MW. This configuration allows the plant to contribute significantly to the local grid along the Naryn River corridor near Tash-Kömür.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of Turbines | 3 |
| Output per Turbine | ~80 MW |
| Total Nominal Capacity | 180 MW |
| Dam Height | 37 m (121 ft) |
| Total Reservoir Volume | 41,000,000 m3 (33,239 acre⋅ft) |
| Active Reservoir Volume | 5,500,000 m3 (4,459 acre⋅ft) |
| Location | Naryn River, between Tash-Kömür and Shamaldy-Say |
| Distance from Tash-Kömür HPP | 14 km downstream |
Reservoir and Dam Infrastructure
Dam Structure and Dimensions
The Shamaldy-Say Hydroelectric Power Station relies on a dedicated dam structure to regulate water flow from the Naryn river. The dam itself stands at a height of 37 m (121 ft), providing the necessary head for the hydroelectric generation process. The construction of the plant was completed between 1992 and 1996, establishing the current operational framework for the facility.
Reservoir Capacity and Active Volume
The dam creates a significant reservoir essential for the power plant's operation. This substantial storage capacity allows for consistent water supply to the turbines, which is critical for maintaining the plant's nominal output. Within this total volume, a specific portion is designated as active storage for power generation. The active volume of the reservoir is 5,500,000 m3 (4,459 acre⋅ft). The distinction between total and active volume is crucial for understanding the operational dynamics of the Shamaldy-Say plant.
| Infrastructure Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dam Height | 37 m (121 ft) |
| Total Reservoir Volume | 41,000,000 m3 (33,239 acre⋅ft) |
| Active Reservoir Volume | 5,500,000 m3 (4,459 acre⋅ft) |
| Location | Naryn river, between Tash-Kömür and Shamaldy-Say |
| Relative Position | 14 km downstream from Tash-Kömür HPP |
The design of the reservoir and dam infrastructure supports the plant's total nominal capacity of 180 MW, distributed across 3 individual turbines. The active storage volume ensures that the turbines have a reliable water supply, contributing to the stability of the power output. The location on the Naryn river provides a strategic advantage for hydroelectric generation in the region. The completion of the infrastructure between 1992 and 1996 marked a significant development in Kyrgyzstan's hydroelectric capabilities. The dam and reservoir system continues to play a vital role in the operational status of the Shamaldy-Say Hydroelectric Power Station.
What is the role of Shamaldy-Say in the Naryn River cascade?
The Shamaldy-Say Hydroelectric Power Station functions as a critical component within the localized hydroelectric infrastructure along the Naryn River in Kyrgyzstan. It is explicitly identified as one of three hydro power plants situated on the Naryn River in the vicinity of Tash-Kömür. This clustering of generation assets highlights the strategic importance of this specific river stretch for energy production in the region. The plant’s operational context is defined by its precise geographical and hydraulic relationship with neighboring facilities.
Position within the Tash-Kömür Cluster
Its position is not isolated but is part of a coordinated sequence of dams. This downstream placement indicates a cascading arrangement where water flow and head management are optimized across multiple structures. The proximity to the Tash-Kömür plant suggests that Shamaldy-Say benefits from the regulated flow released from the upstream station, enhancing its operational efficiency. Being one of three plants in this immediate area, Shamaldy-Say contributes to a concentrated zone of hydropower generation, reducing transmission losses and stabilizing the local grid output.
Technical Contribution to the Cascade
As part of this trio of Naryn River plants, Shamaldy-Say provides significant capacity. This output is substantial for a run-of-the-river or small-reservoir plant in the region. The plant’s dam stands 37 m tall and creates a reservoir with a total volume of 41,000,000 m3, of which 5,500,000 m3 is actively utilized for power generation. These specifications allow Shamaldy-Say to play a distinct role in the cascade, likely handling specific flow regimes or peak demands that complement the upstream Tash-Kömür station. The existence of three distinct plants in this short river segment underscores the Naryn River’s high potential for hydroelectric exploitation in Kyrgyzstan.
Why it matters
As one of three hydro power plants located near Tash-Kömür, it plays a vital role in the regional power grid, contributing to the stability and capacity of the national energy supply. The plant's strategic location on the Naryn River, situated 14 km downstream from the Tash-Kömür Hydroelectric Power Station, allows for efficient water management and power generation in a key hydrological corridor. Its operational status, maintained since its completion between 1992 and 1996, underscores its reliability as a long-term energy asset for the region.
Regional Energy Contribution
With a total nominal capacity of 180 MW, the Shamaldy-Say plant provides a substantial portion of the hydroelectric output in the Naryn River system. The facility utilizes three individual turbines, each with a nominal output of around 80 MW, to generate power. This capacity is significant for a country where hydroelectric power is a primary energy source, helping to meet domestic demand and support industrial activities in the surrounding areas. This efficient use of water resources ensures consistent energy production, particularly during peak demand periods.
Strategic Location and Infrastructure
The placement of the Shamaldy-Say Hydro Power Plant between Tash-Kömür and Shamaldy-Say is strategically important for the Naryn River basin. It complements the nearby Tash-Kömür Hydroelectric Power Station, creating a cascading effect that maximizes the energy potential of the river. This configuration allows for better regulation of water flow and enhanced power generation efficiency. The plant's infrastructure, including its dam and reservoir, also contributes to local water management, supporting agricultural and municipal needs in the region. As an active facility, it continues to be a cornerstone of Kyrgyzstan's hydroelectric network, demonstrating the enduring value of well-planned energy infrastructure in a dynamic geographical setting.
See also
- Global Reservoir and Dam Database (GRanD)
- Daraudi A Hydropower Plant: Engineering, Construction and Regional Impact
- Hydroelectric power in Sweden
- Chake Khola Hydropower Station
- Micro hydropower in Nepal