Amid growing electricity demand and increasing load on the power system of the Sakhalin Region, Russian manufacturing companies continue to play a crucial role in upgrading critical energy infrastructure. One such undertaking is the delivery of two new EGES-25PA gas turbine power units to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Thermal Power Plant-1, the largest power station in the region, located in the southern part of Sakhalin Island and supplying electricity and heat to the majority of local consumers.
The power units were manufactured and delivered by UEC-Aviadvigatel, a corporation that is part of the United Engine Corporation within the Rostec State Corporation. Together, the two units provide a total electrical capacity of 50 megawatts and are intended for integration into the newly constructed sixth power unit of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk TPP-1.
UEC-Aviadvigatel and the Development of the EGES-25PA
UEC-Aviadvigatel specializes in the development and serial production of gas turbine systems for both aviation and stationary power generation applications. The EGES-25PA power unit is the result of years of engineering development and is based on the PS-90A2 aircraft engine family. These engines are extensively used in civil aviation and have demonstrated high reliability and efficiency across a broad range of climatic conditions.
Structurally, the EGES-25PA is a gas turbine installation tailored for stationary electricity generation. In this system, a gas turbine operating on natural gas or associated petroleum gas operates an electric generator that produces power for industrial and residential consumers. This approach, derived from aviation gas turbine technology, allows for a high power-to-weight ratio while preserving compact dimensions.
One of the defining characteristics of the EGES-25PA is its high efficiency and operational flexibility, which make it competitive on the global energy equipment market. The electrical efficacy of the unit reaches 37.2 percent, while the overall fuel utilization factor, including heat recovery, is as high as 86.3 percent. These parameters enable the unit to be used both for base-load operation and for covering peak electricity demand. In addition, the EGES-25PA is designed to withstand seismic activity of up to 9 points on the MSK-64 scale, a critically essential feature for Sakhalin, which is located in a seismically active zone.
Delivery Format and Installation Approach
The EGES-25PA units were delivered to the site in the form of completely assembled, factory-ready blocks. This approach substantially reduces installation time and minimizes the scope of on-site assembly and commissioning work compared to conventional installation methods. Large-block delivery allows for speedier commissioning of the equipment and reduces technological and logistical risks.
Thanks to the modular configuration, the power units can be integrated into the existing infrastructure of the power plant with minimal additional construction work. This is particularly essential in conditions of rapidly growing electricity consumption, where the speed of commissioning new capacity directly affects the stability of the regional power system.
Importance for Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk TPP-1 and the Regional Power System
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk TPP-1 is the backbone of Sakhalin Island’s electrical supply. It plays a central role in providing both electricity and heat to the southern and central sections of the region, including the city of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and neighboring settlements. The plant operates as a combined heat and power facility, generating electricity alongside thermal energy for district heating systems.
Historically, the power plant used a mix of steam turbine and gas turbine units. The gas turbine segment is particularly important during peak load periods, when rapid power output increases are required to meet consumer demand. In recent years, several gas turbine units have been commissioned at the plant, including an EGES-25PA unit that entered service in 2024. The current delivery signals a continuation of this expansion program.
With the commissioning of the two new units, the total installed electrical capacity of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk TPP-1 will increase to approximately 498.6 megawatts. This expansion will substantially improve the plant’s ability to cover peak loads within Sakhalin’s isolated power system, enhance supply reliability for industrial and residential consumers, and strengthen the overall energy security of the region.
Quality Recognition and National Awards
The EGES-25PA gas turbine power unit has received significant recognition at the national level. Under the 2025 edition of the “100 Best Goods of Russia” program, the EGES-25PA in block configuration was awarded the “Quality Leader” prize, included in the prestigious “Golden Hundred,” and recognized as a laureate of the nationwide competition.
These awards confirm the high manufacturing standards and technological maturity of the product, as well as its significance for the Russian energy industry. Such recognition not only strengthens the manufacturer’s reputation but also promotes wider adoption of advanced domestic technologies capable of competing with prominent foreign counterparts.
Future Prospects for Sakhalin’s Energy Sector
The continuous development of Sakhalin’s energy sector requires constant modernization and expansion of generation capacity. The region’s power system operates in isolation from mainland infrastructures, making reliability and reserve capacity especially critical. Natural gas functions as the primary fuel for electricity generation on the island, including gas turbine installations at Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk TPP-1.
In this context, the deployment of modern, highly efficient gas turbine units such as the EGES-25PA represents a strategic step toward strengthening Sakhalin’s energy infrastructure. These installations not only increase overall capacity but also provide flexible load regulation, reducing the risk of power shortages during periods of extreme demand.
Conclusion
The delivery of two EGES-25PA power units to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk TPP-1 represents an important milestone in the development of Sakhalin’s energy infrastructure. By leveraging sophisticated gas turbine technology derived from aviation engines and implementing a modular installation approach, the project enhances the reliability, efficiency, and resilience of the region’s power supply.
The expansion of gas turbine capacity will enable the plant to better manage peak loads, ensure a stable electricity supply, and maintain uninterrupted operation under challenging conditions. The successful implementation of this project also highlights the capabilities of Russia’s domestic industrial sector in delivering high-technology energy solutions, establishing the groundwork for further modernization and long-term regional development.
