The largest electricity producer in Russia, the Bratsk HPP is located in the city of Bratsk, Irkutsk Region. The main component of Irkutskenergo. In 2010, the Bratsk hydroelectric power station generated a trillion kWh, which is an absolute record on the Eurasian continent.
The origin of the hydroelectric power station
In the fall of 1954, a decision was made to build a hydroelectric power station in Siberia, in the city of Bratsk. Rather, in the 50s. this settlement did not have the status of a city, it was a settlement. Soon, before the new year 1955, work had already begun there on the construction of a gigantic powerful structure, which was supposed to generate energy due to the power of water.
The construction of an important facility was placed under the supervision of Nizhneangargesstroy, renamed Bratskgesstroy. It should be said that simultaneously with the construction of the hydroelectric power station, the construction of a large plant begins. This allowed the village of Bratsk to acquire the status of a city of regional subordination.
Naturally, the construction of such an important state facility could not but acquire a wide response. Soviet youth with pleasure and enthusiasm went to the main construction site of the country, the construction of the Bratsk hydroelectric power station received the definition of "Komsomol construction". Many remained to live there after the launch of the hydroelectric power station in 1967. Some received special awards for military work.
It is interesting that for the first time in 1957 it was possible to block the right-bank part of the Angara. It took 8 hours, more than 200 excavators worked. An event of this magnitude turned out to be the first in the world energy sector.
The hardest and dirtiest work was completed by the beginning of the 60s. The task of the engineers was to create an artificial reservoir. And they coped with it brilliantly. In the summer of 1961, filling of the reservoir began, and soon the water level near the dam rose by 100 m. This was an undoubted success. A tradition has developed - brotherly newlyweds come to this dam on their wedding day.
From the first generator to the launch of the hydroelectric power station
The first hydrogenerator gave an industrial current on November 28, 1961 at 10.15, five days later it was possible to get current from the second generator. A total of 18 water-powered generators were put into operation.
After the launch of the last generator in 1966, the main work on the construction of the Bratsk hydroelectric power station was completed. It is worth saying that from the moment of the official launch of the power plant in 1966 until 1971, the Bratsk hydroelectric power station remained the largest power plant of its kind in the world.
Today the director of this powerful enterprise is Andrey Votenev. Since 2006, a program of modernization and replacement of some of the worn out equipment of the hydroelectric power plant has come into force.
