The Ekibastuz GRES-1 is the 4,000 MW coal-fired thermal power station (GRES) located near Ekibastusz, Kazakhstan. Its construction began in 1974. This station is the biggest in Kazakhstan: according to the project it consists of 8 power units and 330-meters chimneys. But in fact the first chimney is only 300 metres because of its curvature.

Formerly small pieces of ashes escaped from chimneys and fell on workers. When is was raining these pieces might burn clothes and leave burns on the skin.

The nearest sheep farm closed because all sheep ground off teeth and died. Spacemen told that the smoke extended for 700 km. Real electric cleaners started working only in 1998-1990. During the USSR times these chimneys were used by regiments of the bomber aviation.

The 1st, 2nd and the 8th energetic units were not working, because plundered for details by previous owners. That is why the plant was given to the state.

Near the GRES-1 is the GRES-2 with generators made in the Leningrad metal factory. Soon the GRES-3 and GRES-4 will appear in the Pavlodar region and in Ulken respectively. The new stations are expected to be absolutely different from the first ones.

The first power unit was launched on the 12 of April, 1980, the last-in1984. And right after this event in 1984 the station became one of the biggest in the USSR territory. Nowadays the Ekibastuz GRES-1 owners are the serious Kazakhstan companies. The GRES is also the big coal station with the 2500 WT power. 5 units work now and 8more are planned to be launched by 2017.

An old but still working panel. Soon it should be replaced.

Before computer technologies.

The control panel.

The mimic panel.

The first and the second units are temporarily not working. But now with the fast development of Kazakh industry the necessities of electricity grow and they are planned to be resumed.

Means of firefighting.

The length of this hall is about 500 metres.

In 2005 the station endured a great modernisation.

New consoles are informative, safe and handy.

On duty.

Tanks.

The firefighting system.

Unit №5.

Some tubes have manometers, some – sensors.

Unit №7.

Steam boilers.

The chimney.

In 2008 the GRES-1 signed the contract about installing of modern electrostatic filters with 99,6% effectiveness.

Now move to the neighbouring GRES-2 station. Here is the biggest chimney in the world.

The construction of the GRES-2 started in 1979, 8 units were in project, but only two were really constructed. The station outputs the electricity from high-ash coal. Its two power units produce 13 % of all the country electric energy.

The 420-metre chimney makes the emission of smoke gases. It was put in the Guinness Book of World Records as the biggest in the world.

The chimneys of the GRES-1.

This must be another chimney, but construction stopped and only a stub has left.

Walls are rather thin and have no any cables.

Imagine how cold the very top of the chimney is.

The ladder. On the right side you can see piloting rails for a lift that was not ever constructed.

Its diameter in the foundation is 44 metres.

Location:GRES-1

via russos