Construction of "Zarchob-3" Small Hydropower Plant in Sariosiyo Begins

The number of renewable energy sources is growing in our country. In particular, hydroelectric power enables to produce «green» energy several times from the flow of a single river.

Therefore, in accordance with the Presidential Decree of October 17, 2017, the construction of small power plants on the Tupalang River has begun. In particular, the 37 MW Zarchob-1 and 38 MW Zarchob-2 hydropower plants will be commissioned in December 2020 and September 2021 respectively. Today, they produce enough electricity for 48,000 households.

Another small HPP — Zarchob-3 — has been designed in the lower reaches of the river. The foundation stone for its construction was laid today during the visit of our Head of State.

The plant will have a capacity of 16 megawatts and produce 70 million kilowatt hours of electricity per year. This is clean, renewable energy. In addition, since other plants produce electricity mainly during the day, hydroelectric power helps to balance the power supply. The cost of electricity is also much lower than other sources.

Under the current system, river water is first pumped under special pressure to the Tupalang hydropower plant. The water then turns turbines at the Zarchob stations, which are not far from each other.

The private sector is also being given ample opportunity to build micro-hydro plants. The legal and economic conditions have been put in place. In particular, a 20-year land lease has been introduced for entrepreneurs wishing to build small and micro hydropower plants, as well as the state system of guaranteed purchase of electricity produced by these plants.