BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, April 16. The first stage of the tender to select a general contractor for the reconstruction of the Lebedinovskaya Hydropower Plant (HPP) has been completed in Kyrgyzstan, Trend reports via the country's Ministry of Energy.
Nine international companies took part in the initial phase, which involved evaluating eligibility documents, company experience, and technical qualifications. The results have been submitted to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for approval.
Lebedinovskaya HPP, the largest station in the Alamedin Cascade, has been in continuous operation since 1943. With an installed capacity of 7.6 MW, the plant has produced an average of 33 million kWh of electricity annually. However, over the decades, the equipment has become outdated, and the capacity has decreased.
The modernization project is financed through an EBRD grant, with the financing agreement signed on March 2, 2023. In 2024, major repairs were carried out on hydropower unit No. 1 to maintain the station’s operability ahead of full reconstruction.
The goals of the project include increasing installed capacity from 7.6 to 10 MW, boosting annual power generation by 56 percent to 53.5 million kWh, raising the station’s efficiency to 90 percent, improving operational reliability, and extending the plant’s lifespan by 30–40 years.
The second stage of the tender will involve a detailed technical and financial evaluation of shortlisted bidders. The reconstruction is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.