Italian experience for modernisation of Almaty CHPP-3

Akbar Zatildayev, Chief Manager of the Equipment and Materials Procurement Department of AlES JSC, shared the results of a working trip to Italy, where they conducted crucial tests for a large-scale environmental project.

– As part of the realization of the strategy to reduce emissions and transition to “green” technologies, the company’s employees visited the Ansaldo Energia plant in the city of Genoa. The purpose of the visit was to control the testing of the stator of the generator WY21Z-097, which will be the heart of the new combined cycle gas turbine at Almaty CHPP-3. This project, initiated by President Kasym-Jomart Tokayev, is designed to reduce hazardous emissions of the plant by 30 per cent and ensure reliable energy supply to the metropolis.

The stator is a key component of the generator, on which the efficiency of the entire power plant depends. It’s being tested at the factory of the Italian company Ansaldo Energia (a world leader in energy solutions), that includes:

– Extreme loads: insulation testing at 220,000 volts and +50°C.
– Vibration analysis to detect hidden defects.
– Precise winding resistance and capacitance measurements using thermal chambers and mega-ohmmeters.
– It’s like a stress test for the equipment, explains Akbar Zatildayev. – We have to be sure that the generator can withstand any load in Almaty. Successful tests are a guarantee that CHPP-3 will not fail in winter and will reduce its environmental impact.

The project “Reconstruction of Almaty CHPP-3” is part of the national strategy of the company. The introduction of the new generator will allow to:

– Reduce emissions of CO₂ and harmful particles into the atmosphere.
– Increase plant efficiency by 15% due to modern technologies.
– Prevent emergency shutdowns thanks to the system of early diagnostics.

The Kazakh delegation was particularly impressed by the organization of the process. All tests were carried out according to IEC and DIN standards using robotic systems.

– Italian colleagues showed how to combine speed and quality. Their approach to maintenance is a benchmark for us, Zatildayev emphasized.

Experts from Ansaldo Energia will conduct training sessions for Kazakhstani power engineers next year. This will accelerate the implementation of the best practices at other plants in the country.

Delivery of the generator to the site at CHPP-3 is scheduled for the 3rd quarter of 2025.

– Modern technologies are not just about efficiency, but also about responsibility towards the future, concludes Akbar Zatildayev. – When I see how our citizens breathe clean air in Almaty, I realize: every stage of this project was worth it.