The energy of the Ili River, tamed by man -
The history of the gigantic construction and the birth of the Kapchagay Reservoir -
The Shafik Chokin Kapchagay Hydroelectric Power Plant (Kapshagay HPP) – built just outside the town of Konayev, in a narrow stretch of the Ili River between high rocky banks – became one of the largest hydroelectric projects in Kazakhstan. It was here, in the middle reaches of the Ili, that the dam was built, changing the fate of the entire region: its concrete walls retained a huge volume of water, giving the country the famous Kapchagay Reservoir and the cities stable energy.
Today, the Kapchagay Hydroelectric Power Plant is not only an engineering giant, but also a place where you can feel the breath of the river, the power of the industrial era, and the scale of human thought. This grandiose project became a symbol of the industrial might of the Soviet era and still plays a vital role in the region's energy system and economy.
The hydroelectric power plant complex not only provides electricity to the south of the country but also created a unique recreational area that has become a prime resort destination for residents of the metropolis. The Kapchagay Sea, as locals call it, is synonymous with summer recreation, water sports, and fishing, attracting thousands of tourists every year.
The reservoir created by the hydroelectric power plant dam transformed the climate and landscape of the entire region, transforming the arid steppe into a center of attraction for recreation and tourism.
History
The construction of the plant was the result of a lengthy search for the optimal location on the Ili River, the potential of which was first described in 1942 by energy scientist Shafik Chokin. Based on this research, in 1959 the Kazakh branch of the Hydroproject Institute developed a design for the future hydroelectric power plant, which was refined between 1961 and 1964.
Preparatory work began in 1963, and the Kapchagay Hydroelectric Power Plant Directorate was established in 1965. Construction of the main structures began in 1966, and on September 29, 1969, the Ili River was dammed for the first time. In the spring of 1970, the reservoir began filling—a vast artificial sea stretching approximately 110 km, which later became the crown jewel of the region.
The units were launched in stages:
the first hydroelectric unit began operation on December 22, 1970, and the fourth exactly one year later, on December 22, 1971.
In 1972, the plant first generated commercial power, and construction was fully completed in 1980.
The hydroelectric power plant's initial capacity was 434 MW, but in 1994, following equipment re-designation, it was reduced to 364 MW. The reason for this was the need to consider environmental restrictions on water discharges into the downstream basin and the challenging situation in the Ili Delta and Lake Balkhash.
Since then, the Kapchagay Hydroelectric Power Plant has become a key part of the region's energy system. At various times, it was part of Almaataenergo, later part of Almaty Power Consolidated JSC, and since 2007, it has been operated by Almaty Electric Stations JSC. Today, its energy supplies the cities of Konayev, Almaty, Taldykorgan, and many settlements in the Almaty region.
Architecture and Engineering Features
The Kapchagay Hydroelectric Power Plant is a medium-head dam hydroelectric power plant with a shore-mounted structure. Built in a narrow stone channel, it makes maximum use of the natural shape of the riverbed, a unique solution for its time.
The hydroelectric complex consists of two dams:
a 470-meter-long, 50-meter-high channel dam, constructed from eolian sand,
and a 370-meter-long, 56-meter-high dam constructed from gravel and sandy-loam soils.
The foundations are 450 and 270 meters wide, creating a monumental structure concealed within the river's topography.
The turbine hall houses four 91-MW Kaplan turbine units, turbines from Syzran's Tyazhmash and generators from the Novosibirsk plant Elsib. They operate at a head of 40.9 meters and are capable of generating an average of 972 million kWh of electricity per year.
An incredible volume of water passes through four 8-meter-diameter turbine penstocks and two production tunnels, converting it into energy. The station feeds the power grid via four 220 kV lines.
The dam creates a massive reservoir with an area of up to 1,847 km² and a capacity of over 18.6 km³ (at current operational levels). It is one of the largest reservoirs in Kazakhstan, a true inland "seascape" that has given the region its resort status.
To improve the hydroelectric power station's efficiency, a project is underway to build the Kerbulak hydroelectric power station downstream, with a capacity of approximately 50 MW. This will compensate for fluctuations in water levels and fully unlock the potential of the Kapchagay station.
Kapchagay Reservoir (Sea)
The reservoir, created to serve the hydroelectric power plant, has become one of the largest artificial reservoirs in Central Asia. It is over 180 kilometers long, with a surface area of approximately 1,800 square kilometers. Thanks to this reservoir, the region has received a reliable source of water for irrigation, fisheries, and recreation. An entire tourism industry has developed around the Kapchagay Reservoir, with beaches, resorts, yacht clubs, and active recreation areas. The hydroelectric power plant has thus become not only an energy source but also a socioeconomic catalyst for the development of the entire region.
Despite its man-made origins, the surrounding area is remarkably picturesque: on one side are the blue waters of the reservoir, on the other, mountain ranges and semi-desert landscapes. This makes Kapchagay a popular destination for photography, especially on clear days with blue skies and white clouds. Visits to the hydroelectric power station itself are available by prior arrangement, making it an attractive option for organized excursions and thematic tours related to Kazakhstan's engineering culture and energy sector.
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How to get there and visit -
The Kapchagay Hydroelectric Power Station is located on the Ili River, 70 kilometers from Almaty, near the town of Konayev (Kapchagay), Almaty Region, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 43°55'22"N 77°06'00"E
The road follows a straight section of the highway, and most travelers stop at observation platforms offering views of the dam and reservoir.
The interior of the hydroelectric power station is only accessible through special technical tours, but the exterior areas are fully accessible. Particularly impressive are the sunrise, when fog rolls over the reservoir, and the sunset, bathing the dam in golden light.
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Importance
The Kapchagay Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) plays a strategic role in Kazakhstan's energy system. It provides peak load regulation in the unified power grid in the south of the country, which is especially important during peak demand hours. Thanks to its ability to quickly start and stop its units, the plant serves as a kind of "energy shock absorber," stabilizing the entire grid. Furthermore, the HPP contributes to reducing its carbon footprint: the energy generated here is entirely renewable and does not emit greenhouse gases.
Beyond its energy function, the HPP is of great importance for water management. The reservoir regulates the flow of the Ili River, preventing flooding in the spring and providing water for agriculture in the summer. This is particularly relevant given the changing climate and increasing pressure on water resources in Central Asia. Kapchagay has also become a center for aquaculture: tens of tons of fish are raised here annually, ensuring food security for the region and creating jobs.
Finally, the hydroelectric power station is an important element of modern Kazakhstan's cultural and tourist heritage. It symbolizes the era of industrial development and today serves as a reminder of how human will and engineering can transform nature for the benefit of society, if approached wisely and respectfully. For tourists, Kapchagay is more than just a dam, but a place where history, technology, nature, and the country's future intersect.
Atmosphere and Features
At the foot of the dam, the powerful pressure of the water mass can be felt, and its roar echoes with the wind rushing from the reservoir. Observation points offer panoramic views of the Kapchagay Sea, sparkling in the sun like a vast sheet of glass.
Here, engineering grandeur naturally blends with the harsh nature. Rocky shores, parched steppe, and the blue expanse of water, all create the very image of industrial Kazakhstan, where man and nature engage in dialogue and mutual respect.
Legend and Tradition
Several urban legends are associated with the Kapchagay Hydroelectric Power Station and its reservoir. The most famous claims that villages, along with their houses and infrastructure, were submerged during construction at the bottom of the man-made sea. Local fishermen sometimes report that on clear days, the outlines of buildings can be seen through the water.
Another legend concerns a giant man-eating catfish that supposedly inhabits the depths of the reservoir. This legend is associated with the disappearance of animals and various unexplained occurrences in the water.
Many believe that the water in Kapchagay possesses a special energy, it infuses strength and relieves fatigue, although scientists attribute this effect to its unique mineral composition.
A legend persists among local residents that the Ili River refused to submit to human control for a long time. It was as if the river was "testing" the builders: it would suddenly rise in level, then retreat deeper, forcing them to reconsider their engineering solutions. Only after the water first passed through the new turbines did the river "approve" this work. They say that if you stand by the dam on a windy day, you can hear the ancient voice of Ili in the roar of the water, reminding you of its power and history.
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