Gazprom Energoholding starts Yuzhno-Yakutskaya power plant construction

Gazprom Energoholding has begun construction of the Yuzhno-Yakutskaya thermal power plant near Chulman in the Sakha Republic. The groundbreaking took place on June 17, 2024. The planned 330 MW station will support electrification of the Eastern area of Russia's railway network.

The company expects the first gas turbines to enter operation in the fourth quarter of 2026. Completion of the gas-steam cycle is planned for late 2026 or early 2027. These dates describe the commissioning schedule envisaged at the construction launch.

Project financing and equipment

Gazprom Energoholding is implementing the project through joint project financing with Gazprombank. Gazprom wholly owns Gazprom Energoholding.

Chinese turbines will be used at the station, while Russian companies will supply the steam-power equipment.

Gas supply and construction preparations

The plant will receive natural gas from the Power of Siberia trunk pipeline. A planned 8.5 km branch will connect the generating station to that supply system. Expected gas consumption is 0.5 billion cubic metres annually; this is a project forecast for the future station.

The power plant project was included in the comprehensive plan for modernisation and expansion of trunk infrastructure by government order No. 1288-r of May 18, 2023. A government commission on electricity-sector development approved the facility in May 2024. Contracts for Russian steam-power equipment have been concluded, with the Ural Turbine Works designated to manufacture the steam turbine. The June 17 ceremony was held by video conference, with Gazprom and Gazprom Energoholding management taking part.

Two commissioning stages

TEK Mosenergo, part of Natsproektstroy, is the general contractor for Yuzhno-Yakutskaya. Companies within Natsproektstroy's Energy Division have started construction near the settlement of Chulman. Their work covers a project intended to provide electricity for railway infrastructure.

The construction programme separates the gas-turbine installations from the subsequent steam-turbine stage. The planned equipment capacities are:

• first stage: two gas turbines with a combined 220 MW;
• second stage: a 110 MW steam turbine.