The operating modes of the Volga-Kama cascade hydroelectric power plants for the period from August 11 to September 10 have been agreed
On August 6, an Interdepartmental working Group meeting was held under the chairmanship of Vadim Nikanorov, Deputy Head of the Federal Agency for Water Resources, at which the operating modes of the Volga-Kama Cascade hydroelectric power plants for the coming month were agreed.
Almaz Tugushev, Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Tatarstan, took part in the meeting from the Republic of Tatarstan.
Current hydrological situation
According to the Russian Hydrometeorological Service, in July, the hydrological situation in the Volga and Kama basins corresponded to the transition to the intergenic phase. The total inflow of water into the cascade was 13.3 km3 (92% of the norm of 14.5 km3), which ensured stable water supply to the population and all sectors of the economy.
As of August 5, 2025, the water level of the Kuibyshev reservoir at the Upper Uslon hydroelectric station is 52.64 m BS, in the upper reaches of the hydroelectric complex — 52.66 m BS. Nizhnekamsk reservoir is operating in bypass mode.
Approved modes for the period 08/11/2025 - 09/10/2025
Rosvodresursy has established the following modes of operation of waterworks:
- Kuibyshev reservoir: in operation mode of the Volgograd and Saratov reservoirs with an average discharge rate of 5000-5300 cubic meters/s;
- Nizhnekamsk reservoir: with the maintenance of the water level in the upper reaches of the hydroelectric dam at 63.0-63.75 m BS.
The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Tatarstan has supported the proposed modes of operation.
Forecast for August
According to forecasts of the Russian Hydrometeorological Service, an influx close to the standard values is expected in August: 9.3–13.3 km3 at a rate of 11.6 km3. The forecast of the total inflow in the third quarter is 29-37 km3 (the norm is 37.5 km3).
"The current hydrological situation makes it possible to meet the needs of all sectors of the economy, including navigation in the limited sections of the Volga and Kama rivers, as well as maintain a favorable environmental situation on the Lower Volga. At the same time, it is important to rationally use the available water reserves, taking into account long–term forecasts," said Vadim Nikanorov, Deputy Head of Rosvodresursy.
The established modes can be quickly adjusted to reflect changes in hydrometeorological conditions.
The next meeting of the Interdepartmental Working Group on regulating the operating modes of the reservoirs of the Volga-Kama Cascade is scheduled for the first decade of September 2025.