The construction of the main structures at the Vitebsk Hydroelectric Power Plant will begin on July 26.

Preparatory work has been completed at the Vitebsk HPP: specifically, a diversion channel has been built, through which water has been rerouted, the riverbed has been dammed, an access road is in operation, and other infrastructure has been created. Soon, construction workers will begin the main structures. Excavation for the foundation, where concreting will commence for the dam construction, is already underway.

On Saturday, July 26, at 14:00, an event will take place here to mark the commencement of these works, with the first cubic meters of concrete to be poured.

The hydroelectric power station is being built on the Western Dvina River, near Vitebsk, and promises to become the most powerful in Belarus.

- The facility is scheduled for commissioning in 2017, - Ivan Pugachev, Head of the HPP Construction Department of the Vitebsk Electric Networks Branch of RUP "Vitebskenergo," told the "Architecture and Construction" portal. - The Vitebsk HPP will generate 138 million kilowatts per year. For comparison, the annual consumption of the Vitebsk region is 105 million.

It is planned that the HPP, along with the Polotsk, Beshenkovichi, and Verkhnedvinsk HPPs, will form a cascade of power stations. The Polotsk HPP is also under construction, with a contract signed with a Russian company. The remaining ones are in the contract negotiation stage.

Partners from the People's Republic of China are participating in the construction of the Vitebsk HPP. Ivan Pugachev stated that interaction with them is ongoing daily, and the Chinese side fulfills all its obligations, which include, for example, the supply of construction materials, including those of Belarusian production. According to the contract, Belarusian contractors must be involved in the work for 30% of its value. The construction contract was concluded with the Chinese National Electric Equipment Corporation CNEEC.

Subsequently, after the dam construction works, work on the reservoir bed and bank reinforcement will be carried out at the site.

Currently, HPPs play an important role in Belarus as an alternative to expensive hydrocarbons. Approximately 20 hydroelectric power stations are operating in the country's energy system.

Irina Shagaleeva, Architecture and Construction Portal