The Mary state power plant, which is the flagship of the Turkmen energy sector, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
The construction of the largest hydroelectric power plant in Central Asia began in 1969, and on June 26, 1973, the first power unit of the Mary SPP with a capacity of 210 megawatts (MW) was put into operation. In the same year, the second power unit of the same capacity was put into operation.
Further, in turn from 1975 to 1981, four more power units of 210 MW each appeared at the station. In 1985, the seventh power unit with a capacity of 210 MW was commissioned, and two years later - the eighth (215 MW). Thus, the total output of the station amounted to 1685 MW.
In 2006, work was carried out to modernize one of the eight turbines in permanent operation at the Mary SPP.
At the same time, a high technological resource of other power units is maintained, which continue to generate electricity.
In recent years, the introduction of modern installations into operation of the station has made it possible to produce up to 3580000 kWh of electricity per day.
Undoubtedly, the most important event in the recent history of the Mary SPP was the day of September 8, 2018, when, with the participation of the National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the largest high-tech combined cycle power plant in Central Asia with four gas and two steam turbines General Electric with a capacity of 1574 megawatts was put into operation.
With its commissioning, the flagship of the domestic energy sector was able to produce twice as much electricity, which made it possible to increase the volume of electricity exports to foreign countries.
The location of the SPP in the central part of Turkmenistan made it possible from the very beginning to successfully solve the issues of transporting electricity not only to Ahal and Lebap velayats, but also to neighboring countries.
At present time, a 220-kilovolt power transmission line is being built from the hydroelectric power station to the city of Herat (Afghanistan), from where it is possible to export electricity to neighboring Pakistan and further to other countries of South Asia.
Work also continues to increase the amount of electricity sent along the Serhetabat-Herat-Turgundi and Rabatkashan-Kalainau routes.
In parallel with the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline, a Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan power transmission line with modern transformer substations and distribution systems is being built.
However, the significance of the Mary SPP for the country's economy was not limited to its energy power.The station has become an example of the integrated development of industrial and social infrastructure.
In its structure, a sanatorium-dispensary, a children's health center, a palace of culture, a room for celebrations, as well as an extensive subsidiary farm appeared.The Energetik football team was created, for which the stadium was built.
Moreover, the Mary SPP has become a city-forming enterprise - a well-maintained settlement of power engineers has grown nearby with secondary schools and kindergartens, healthcare, cultural, communications, trade, and consumer services institutions.
The largest power plant in the country has become the base enterprise for the practical training of qualified personnel studying at the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan in the city of Mary.