Smolensk CHP-2 completes its turbine modernisation

Modernisation completed

Rosatom Infrastructure Solutions completed the Smolensk CHP-2 modernisation, Governor Vasily Anokhin reported on 14 May 2026. The second replacement turbine, rated at 126 MW, was supplying Russia’s Unified Energy System; the first, rated at 130 MW, had launched in 2025. The issuer’s completion announcement put total installed electrical capacity at 316 MW, up 15%. The governor reported investment exceeding 8.4 billion rubles and support from VEB.RF. Russian plants supplied the main equipment.

Two worn-out turbine units replaced.
Second replacement now delivering electricity.

First-unit commissioning tests

The first replacement had undergone coordinated commissioning tests. On 16 April 2025, the System Operator reported that the TG-3 unit’s capacity had risen from 110 to 130 MW. Its equipment included a heating steam turbine, generator, power transformer and 110-kV switchgear. Comprehensive testing required 72 hours of continuous operation at nominal load. Tests assessed load changes, available capacity and the technological minimum. The operator confirmed readiness for primary frequency regulation and stable operation when isolated to supply the plant’s own needs. Regional dispatchers also calculated operating conditions, stability, short-circuit currents and protection settings.

Second-stage equipment assembly

A subsequent issuer update documented work before the second unit entered service. On 5 June 2025, RIR Energy reported beginning steam-turbine equipment assembly. Lower cylinder sections and the rotor were already on the foundation for fitting, while the generator stator had been lifted into its design position. Insertion of the generator rotor and coupling with the turbine were planned for August. Parallel installation covered high-pressure steam, condensate, oil and feedwater pipelines, pumps, heaters, outdoor switchgear and 110-kV wires. The company then expected installation of both turbines to cost more than eight billion rubles.

Earlier heat-infrastructure plans

The generating project followed earlier discussions about the city’s heat infrastructure. In its 22 February 2023 report, Quadra described a Moscow meeting between Governor Alexei Ostrovsky and chief executive Ksenia Sukhotina. Their agenda covered development of Smolensk’s heating system and reliable service during the heating season. The company planned major repairs to ageing trunk heat networks that year, with the largest works around Tenisheva, Dokuchaeva and Rayevskogo streets and the Pyatnitsky overpass. It also scheduled generating-equipment repairs at CHP-2 and the boiler facility on Kashena Street.