The ministry of energy and industry of Turkmenistan will sign a contract with Turkish Chalyk Energy company to increase the capacity of the Balkanabat gas turbine power station to 254,2 MW. The contract exceeds Euro 137 million. Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov signed a decree to this effect.

The project provides for the construction of two new power generating units at the Balkanabat power station. The units will be equipped with General Electric gas turbines with the capacity of 127,1 MW each. There will be also constructed an extra automatic gas reducing station. Part of equipment and a repair base of the power station will be renovated. New auto equipment will be purchased to enhance the efficiency of repair works.

Under the decree signed by the head of state, the power generating units will be commissioned in March 2010. The increase of power generating capacity and strengthening the reliability of electricity supply in the western region of Turkmenistan will become another step towards implementation of the strategy on social and economic development of Balkan province for 2008-2012, the Turkmenistan.ru correspondent reports from Ashgabat quoting the press service of the head of state.

It should be recalled that the government of Turkmenistan, US General Electric company and Turkish Chalyk Energy company signed a trilateral agreement in 2003 on cooperation in implementing the general plan on development of power generation in Turkmenistan until 2011. As of today, Chalyk Energy has built five power stations in Turkmenistan.