Half of the work on the construction of the bypass canal for the Vitebsk Hydroelectric Power Station has been completed
In the course of constructing the largest Belarusian hydroelectric power station, Vitebskaya HPP, half of the work on the diversion channel and slope has been completed, as reported to a BELTA correspondent by the BELTA state production association "Belenergo".
The depth of the channel will range from 7.5 to 10 meters, its width at the bottom will be 58 meters, and its length will be 881 meters. As explained by "Belenergo," the purpose of the slope is to prevent soil collapse during the channel's operation. It is being constructed with a minimal gradient to avoid erosion and siltation of the bottom during the rainy season.
Upon completion of the diversion channel construction, the waters of the Western Dvina River will be directed through it. The river's course will be temporarily diverted by cofferdams upstream and downstream. The section between the cofferdams will be dewatered, after which excavation for the future construction of the dam and hydraulic structure will commence. Once this stage is completed, the diversion channel will be blocked by cofferdams, and the river will return to its original course.
In connection with the construction of the Vitebskaya HPP, two roads are also being laid: a technological road on the left bank of the river near the village of Podberezye, and a main road on the right bank near the village of Bukatino. In the future, the latter will be used for access to the hydraulic structure and the administrative building of the station.
Another important stage of construction is the erection of two concrete batching plants, which will bear the main load once the dam concreting begins. Concrete will be mixed at these plants and then pumped directly to the pouring site under pressure. The construction technology for such structures does not allow for interruptions in the concreting process, as this affects the dam's strength, with a guaranteed service life of 100 years.
At the peak of construction, about 800 builders will be involved in the construction of the Vitebsk HPP. The turnkey contract for the construction of the Vitebsk HPP was concluded with the China National Electric Equipment Corporation (CNEEC). Its cost exceeds $100 million. At the same time, according to the document, Belarusian enterprises must be involved in the construction and Belarusian building materials must be used for 30% of the contract value. The customer, RUE "Vitebskenergo", exercises control over this.
The Vitebsk HPP will be the most powerful hydroelectric power station in Belarus, with a planned electricity output of 40 MW, which is capable of providing electricity to one-third of the Vitebsk region. For comparison, the most powerful operating station, the Grodno HPP on the Neman River, is designed for an output of 17 MW. The Vitebsk HPP is expected to generate its first electricity in January 2017. After that, within 12 months, a lock will be built on the left bank of the river for the passage of watercraft.
As noted in "Belenergo", the design of the lock will also allow migratory fish to pass through. Downstream from the hydroelectric station, the Daugava River will not become shallower, and upstream, a reservoir will appear with a maximum depth of 15 m and a minimum depth of up to 2.5 m. It is expected that as a result of these changes, more favorable conditions for spawning grounds will arise in the river, which will lead to an increase in the number of fish, especially those species that prefer slow-flowing or still water. In addition, with the appearance of the reservoir, the landscape will be transformed, and the areas near the reservoir will become attractive for recreation. At the same time, as noted in "Belenergo", the maximum possible flood level does not pose any threat of flooding. Thanks to modern HPP construction technology, the possibility of lubricants penetrating the water is excluded.
In accordance with the Concept of Energy Security of the Republic of Belarus until 2020, it is planned to create a cascade of four hydroelectric power stations (HPS) on the Western Dvina River: Polotsk, Vitebsk, Beshenkovichi, and Verkhnedvinsk. Their total installed capacity will be 125-130 MW. Contracts for the construction of the Beshenkovichi and Verkhnedvinsk HPS have been concluded with a Turkish company, which will own these facilities for 30 years. After this period, the hydroelectric power stations will become the property of Belarus.
HPS play an important role in Belarus, as they use water, an alternative and renewable energy source, which is more cost-effective than hydrocarbons. More than 20 small hydroelectric power stations are currently operating in the Belarusian energy system.
Technologically, hydroelectric power stations are so-called "fast generation," reflecting their ability to reduce or increase electricity output in a short period. Experts note that the development of this type of generation is necessary for more successful balancing of the country's unified energy system and for improving its operational efficiency after the integration of the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant. Currently, the Belarusian energy system is primarily based on hydroelectric power plants and combined heat and power plants.