Conceptual Design of the Istisu Reservoir and Hydroelectric Power Plant
A strategic multi-purpose hydraulic and renewable energy conceptual project designed to harness hydropower potential and advance water resource infrastructure across the Eastern Zangezur economic region. The assignment delivers a comprehensive conceptual design for the high-head Istisu reservoir impoundment in the Kalbajar district, structurally coupled with an integrated run-of-river/storage hydroelectric power plant (HPP) to support flood regulation, water supply, and green electricity generation.
The technical framework outlines four alternative structural development schemes:
• Dam maximum structural height ranges from 80 m to 100 m;
• Crest length spans from 310 m to 386 m;
• Gross impoundment storage capacity scales from 13.27 million m³ up to 33.66 million m³.
Integrated Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) specifications:
• Total station generating capacity: 3.0 MW;
• Hydro-mechanical configuration: 4 turbine-generator units (3 active and 1 standby) rated at 1.0 MW each.
The conceptual scope incorporates complex alpine catchment hydrology, seismic and geotechnical slope stability assessments, hydraulic design of high-head pressure conduits and spillways, and electrical interconnection schemes for evacuation into the regional power grid.
