Bratsk Dam Hydropower Plant Russia

The Bratsk Dam Hydropower Plant is a large hydroelectric power station located on the Angara River in Russia. It is located near the city of Bratsk in the Irkutsk Oblast region of Siberia. The dam was constructed in the 1960s as part of the Soviet Union's push to increase energy production.

The Bratsk Dam is one of the largest hydroelectric power plants in the world, with a capacity of 4,500 MW. It is also one of the oldest and most reliable, having operated continuously for over 50 years. The dam is made of concrete and is 125 meters high and 1,085 meters long. It creates a reservoir, Lake Bratsk, which is 5,470 square kilometers in size and has a maximum depth of 79 meters.

The Bratsk Dam Hydropower Plant is an important source of electricity for the region, providing power to both industrial and residential consumers. It also helps to regulate the flow of the Angara River, preventing flooding downstream and ensuring a stable water supply for irrigation and other uses.

The dam and power plant are operated by the Bratsk Hydroelectric Power Station, which is part of the Irkutskenergo company. The Bratsk Dam Hydropower Plant is a testament to the engineering prowess of the Soviet Union and remains an important piece of infrastructure for Russia today.

History of Bratsk Dam Hydropower Plant Russia

The construction of the Bratsk Dam Hydropower Plant began in 1954 as part of the Soviet Union's plan to increase energy production. The location for the dam was chosen because of the Angara River's high flow rate and the steep terrain in the area, which made it possible to create a large reservoir.

The dam was designed by a team of Soviet engineers led by Andrei K. Kuznetsov, who had previously worked on the construction of the Krasnoyarsk Dam. The construction of the Bratsk Dam was a massive undertaking, with thousands of workers involved in the project. The first stage of construction was completed in 1961, and the dam began generating electricity in 1964.

The Bratsk Dam Hydropower Plant was a significant achievement for the Soviet Union, both in terms of its engineering and its contribution to energy production. At the time of its construction, it was the world's largest hydroelectric power station, with a capacity of 4,500 MW.

In addition to providing electricity to the region, the Bratsk Dam has had a significant impact on the local environment. The creation of Lake Bratsk, the reservoir formed by the dam, flooded a large area of forest and agricultural land. This resulted in the displacement of thousands of people from their homes and communities. However, the reservoir has also created new opportunities for fishing and water-based recreation in the area.

Despite some concerns about the environmental impact of the dam, the Bratsk Dam Hydropower Plant has continued to operate successfully for over 50 years. It remains an important source of electricity for the region and a significant piece of infrastructure for Russia.

Bratsk Dam Hydropower Plant Russia - Profile

The Bratsk Dam Hydropower Plant is a large hydroelectric power station located on the Angara River in Siberia, Russia. 

Here are some key facts about the Bratsk Dam:

The dam was completed in 1964 and is one of the largest hydroelectric power plants in the world, with a capacity of 4,500 MW.

The dam is made of concrete and is 125 meters high and 1,085 meters long.

The reservoir created by the dam, Lake Bratsk, is 5,470 square kilometers in size and has a maximum depth of 79 meters.

The Bratsk Dam Hydropower Plant is operated by the Bratsk Hydroelectric Power Station, which is part of the Irkutskenergo company.

The power station provides electricity to both industrial and residential consumers in the region.

The construction of the dam and power plant involved thousands of workers and was a significant achievement in Soviet engineering.

The creation of Lake Bratsk resulted in the displacement of thousands of people from their homes and communities.

The Bratsk Dam has had a significant impact on the local environment, both positive and negative, including the creation of new opportunities for fishing and water-based recreation.

The dam has been operating continuously for over 50 years and remains an important piece of infrastructure for Russia today.

Bratsk Dam Hydropower Plant Russia - Technology

The Bratsk Dam Hydropower Plant is an impressive example of hydroelectric power technology. 

Here are some key features of the technology used in the Bratsk Dam:

The dam is made of reinforced concrete, which is a strong and durable material that can withstand the forces of water pressure and erosion.

The dam is designed to capture the energy of the flowing water in the Angara River and convert it into electricity.

Water from the river is diverted into the dam through intake towers, which are equipped with large gates that can be opened and closed to control the flow of water.

The water flows through turbines, which are large machines that spin as the water passes through them, generating electricity.

The turbines are connected to generators, which convert the mechanical energy of the spinning turbines into electrical energy that can be used to power homes and businesses.

The Bratsk Dam has 18 turbines, each with a capacity of 250 MW, for a total capacity of 4,500 MW.

The electricity generated by the Bratsk Dam is transmitted through high-voltage power lines to the local grid and then distributed to consumers.

The operation of the dam and power plant is monitored and controlled by a sophisticated system of sensors, computers, and human operators, ensuring safe and efficient operation.

The technology used in the Bratsk Dam Hydropower Plant is a testament to the engineering prowess of the Soviet Union and remains an important example of hydroelectric power technology today.

Bratsk Dam Hydropower Plant Russia - Operator

The Bratsk Dam Hydropower Plant is operated by the Bratsk Hydroelectric Power Station, which is part of the Irkutskenergo company. Irkutskenergo is one of the largest power generation companies in Russia, and it operates several hydroelectric power plants and thermal power stations in the Irkutsk region.

The Bratsk Hydroelectric Power Station employs hundreds of workers who are responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of the dam and power plant. The workers include engineers, technicians, electricians, and other specialists who ensure that the plant operates safely and efficiently.

The company also has a dedicated team of environmental specialists who monitor the impact of the dam and power plant on the local ecosystem and work to mitigate any negative effects. The company has implemented several environmental protection measures, including the construction of fish ladders to help salmon navigate around the dam and the implementation of programs to protect and restore local forests and wildlife habitats.

The Bratsk Hydroelectric Power Station and Irkutskenergo are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the Bratsk Dam Hydropower Plant and are committed to balancing the energy needs of the region with the protection of the local environment.

Bratsk Dam Hydropower Plant Russia - Cost and Financial

The cost of building the Bratsk Dam Hydropower Plant was significant and was estimated to be around 1.6 billion rubles at the time of its construction in the 1960s. This was a massive undertaking for the Soviet Union, and the construction of the dam required a significant investment in terms of resources, manpower, and technology.

Despite the initial cost of construction, the Bratsk Dam has proven to be a valuable asset for Russia. The power plant generates a significant amount of electricity, and the energy it produces is sold to industrial and residential consumers in the region. This revenue stream has allowed the dam to pay for itself over time and to continue operating for more than 50 years.

In recent years, the Russian government has invested in upgrades and modernizations to the dam and power plant to ensure that it remains a reliable and efficient source of electricity. These upgrades have included the installation of new equipment and technology, as well as improvements to the dam's infrastructure and environmental protections.

The Bratsk Dam Hydropower Plant has been a significant investment for Russia, but it has also provided valuable returns in terms of energy production and economic development for the region.

Bratsk Dam Hydropower Plant Russia - Energy Contribution

The Bratsk Dam Hydropower Plant is a significant source of electricity for Russia and the region of Siberia. 

Here are some key facts about the energy contribution of the Bratsk Dam:

The Bratsk Dam has a total capacity of 4,500 MW, making it one of the largest hydroelectric power plants in the world.

The dam generates an average of 22.6 billion kWh of electricity per year, which is enough to power approximately 11 million homes.

The electricity generated by the Bratsk Dam is transmitted through high-voltage power lines to the local grid and then distributed to industrial and residential consumers in the region.

The dam provides electricity to several large industrial consumers, including aluminum smelters, chemical plants, and mining operations.

The electricity generated by the Bratsk Dam is also an important source of energy for the local population, providing power for homes, schools, hospitals, and other facilities.

The Bratsk Dam helps to meet the energy demands of the region and reduces Russia's dependence on fossil fuels for energy production.

The dam's contribution to energy production has significant economic benefits, including job creation and revenue generation for the region.

The Bratsk Dam Hydropower Plant is an important source of electricity for Russia and the region of Siberia, and it plays a significant role in meeting the energy needs of the local population and supporting economic development in the region.

Conclusion for Bratsk Dam Hydropower Plant Russia Review

The Bratsk Dam Hydropower Plant in Russia is an impressive feat of engineering and a significant source of electricity for the country. 

The dam has a massive capacity of 4,500 MW and generates an average of 22.6 billion kWh of electricity per year, providing power to millions of homes and businesses in the region.

Despite its significant construction costs, the dam has proven to be a valuable investment, paying for itself over time and contributing to economic development in the region. The dam's operators, Irkutskenergo, have implemented environmental protection measures, such as fish ladders and habitat restoration programs, to mitigate the dam's impact on the local ecosystem.

The Bratsk Dam Hydropower Plant is an important part of Russia's energy infrastructure, providing a reliable and sustainable source of electricity while contributing to economic growth and development in the region.