Ekibastuz GRES-1

AES-Ekibastuz (formerly: Ekibastusz GRES-1) is a 4,000 MW thermal coal-fired power station at Ekibastusz, Kazhakstan. It has two convert|330|m|ft|0|adj=on tall chimneys.

History

Most of the units were launched into service in the early 1980s (see Individual units section below). In January, 1996, due to mismanagement and disrepair, the capacity of the station dropped from 1,624 to 1,025 MWe, and further dropped to 655 MWe by June, 1996. Work at the station became hazardous: the equipment was not maintained, most of the control and emergency handling instrumentation was stolen from the plant. The units had to be frequently stopped because of break downs.cite web
title = AES Экибастуз: из истории (AES Ekibastuz: history)
year = 2008
url = http://ekibastuz.kz/predpr/topel/aes/index.php?page=history_aes
language = Russian
accessdate = 2008-08-01]

From 1996 till 2008, the power station was owned by U.S.-based AES Corporation. By November, 1997, only three units were operational, producing 800 MWe on average. In the spring of 1998, all units except one were idle. The customers owed the plant about 150 million U.S. dollars of unpaid tariffs. In 1999, the average produced power was 215 MWe. In 2000, it was increased to 317 MWe after much needed repairs. As a result, the plant's generating capacity was increased from 1,050 to 1,200 MWe, but the problem of finding paying customers still resulted in low production levels.

On 4 February 2008, AES agreed to sell the AES Ekibastuz power plant to Kazakhmys Plc. AES will continue to operate the plant under the management agreement until December 2010.cite news
url = http://pepei.pennnet.com/display_article/319206/6/ARTCL/none/BUSIN/1/AES-to-sell-interests-in-Kazakhstan-power-plant/
title = AES to sell interests in Kazakhstan power plant
publisher = Power Engineering
date = 2008-02-05
accessdate = 2008-02-24]

Individual units

Each of the eight units has a nameplate generating capacity of 500 MWe.: Unit 1 was launched into service in March, 1980.: Unit 2 was launched into service in October, 1980.: Unit 3 was launched into service in February, 1981.: Unit 4 was launched into service in November, 1981.: Unit 5 was launched into service in October, 1982.: Unit 6 was launched into service in May, 1983.: Unit 7 was launched into service in October, 1983.: Unit 8 - status not clear.

ee also

* GRES-2 Power Station

References