25 years of operating Chirkey hydroelectric power station

The first unit at Chirkey hydroelectric power station began supplying electricity in 1974. It supplies energy, irrigation water, a water supply, and fisheries and has reduced flooding in the Sulak lowlands. The Chirkey hydroelectric power station is a section of the Dagestan power system. The station consists of a high arched dam, hydroelectric equipment, the working water discharge, an open distributing network and the Tishikla earth dam with water discharge. The commissioning of the turbines and electrical engineering equipment is discussed. Operating experience with the Chirkey hydroelectric power station is reviewed with reference to damage to the neck of the shaft in the turbine jacket bearing, the effects of the war in Chechnia, the interactions of the dam with the surrounding rocks, and seismicity.