The most valuable thing at the station is its personnel…

October 2020 marks the 85th anniversary of CHPP-1. Isakhan Syrgabaev, Managing Director of CHPP-1, shared about the features of the station, its role in the life of the city, and its work.

 

What are the features of CHPP-1?
CHPP-1 of AlES JSC is the oldest station in Almaty. Construction of the station began in the 30s of the last century. Today, the station is one of the main energy generating complexes of AlES JSC in Almaty.

What is the most valuable thing for you at the station?
For me personally, the most valuable thing at the station is the staff. The number of station personnel today is 368 people. There are 164 working youth under 35 years of age. Of these, 18 are managers.

How is the personnel issue resolved at CHPP-1?
Recruitment is carried out on a competitive basis. We are conducting an interview. Priority, of course, goes to graduates of specialized educational institutions, for example, AUES (Almaty University of Energy and Communications named after Gumarbek Daukeev), Almaty State College of Energy and Electronic Technologies.
What specialists work at the station?
Mostly energy workers work. Thermal power engineers in the boiler and turbine shops, electric power engineers in the electrical shop and TAI shop, also specialists in the areas of economists and accountants. A chemical shop engaged in maintaining the water chemistry regime. The commissioning and environmental protection workshop ensures the operating modes of thermal mechanical equipment and monitors compliance with the requirements of the Environmental Code. There are repair, construction and motor transport areas.

What is interesting about your work?
Like any other job, it always keeps you on your toes. In general, the work of a power engineer is very painstaking work. Today electricity is indispensable in human life. It gives us light and warmth.

When was the station modernized?
In 2008, reconstruction of the ash collection installation of boiler unit No. 9 (installation of an emulsifier) ​​and reconstruction of the ash collection installation of boiler unit No. 9 were carried out. No. 8 (installation of emulsifier) ​​with rerouting of the pressure gas duct; elimination of wastewater from equipment and structures of AlPP CHPP-1.
A lot of work has been done to completely switch the station to burning natural gas. Reverse osmosis equipment for preparing desalted water was installed in the chemical shop in 2011.
In 2012, the modernization of the burner devices of six power boiler units was completely completed in order to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides at CHPP-1. Reconstructions of the 110 kV outdoor switchgear of CHPP-1 were also carried out with the replacement of 110 kV oil circuit breakers with SF6 ones, the air conditioning systems of the main control room, and the control room of CHPP-1.
In 2013, a project commissioned by the Akimat of Almaty “Reconstruction of CHPP-1 to receive heat from CHPP-2 of Almaty” was put into operation.

What are the features of a gas station?
The most important thing is ecology. The station is located in the city center, and we are constantly under the control of regulatory authorities.  What changes have occurred during your leadership?
Many projects related to ecology have been implemented. The Heat Reception Point from ATPP-2 was launched, which made it possible to maximize the distribution and implementation of the thermal capacity of ATPP-2 and many other projects.
How important is CHPP-1 for Almaty?
CHPP-1 provides heat to the entire eastern part and part of the city center, and is one of the main sources of centralized heat supply to enterprises and the housing and communal sector.

What is the power of the station?
CHPP-1 provides coverage to the Eastern and Central districts of the city.
The installed electrical capacity of CHPP-1 is 145 MW. The installed thermal power of the station is 1203 Gcal/h. Currently, the actual power generation of the station per month allows supplying 8,400 nine-story two-entrance houses, and the actual heat supply provides heat to 1,350 nine-story houses.

What can you say about the future of the station?
In general, the equipment is morally and physically outdated. Some of the equipment has worked for 50-60 years. Through the efforts of repair and operational personnel, we try to maintain the equipment in working condition.
The project “Reconstruction and expansion of ATPP-1 with conversion to gas and installation of gas turbine units” has been developed. The search for potential investors is currently underway.
What place at the station is special for you?
The main control panel is, as they say, “the heart of the station”; all necessary technical switching takes place here. Also control panels for turbines and boilers. On the control panels, complete information about the condition of the equipment is consolidated, I discuss the problems of both personnel and issues arising regarding the station equipment.

What kind of energy does working at CHPP-1 give you?
Like at an outdoor switchgear – 110 kV.

Tell us about an event at the station that you especially remember?
The celebration of the 80th anniversary of the station was well remembered; there were many guests.
It was especially nice to see veterans of the energy industry. CHPP-1 at one time was a good “forge of personnel”. Many managers of energy enterprises in Almaty and Kazakhstan started working at our enterprise.

This year, unfortunately, we will also not be able to hold the station’s anniversary due to the coronavirus situation. We will have more anniversaries!
We are working as usual. In these difficult times, I wish everyone good health! Take care of yourself and your loved ones.