The remarkable anniversary was celebrated in a close professional circle in the presence of veteran long-time employees of the plant. "The excellent condition of Kardzhali HPP is proof that good maintenance of the facilities is the most important part of their operation and therefore the NEK management is making systematic efforts to improve the expertise and professional qualifications of the managers and employees," emphasized NEK Executive Director Eng. Martin Georgiev. "With its more than 60 years of history, Kardzhali HPP is an excellent example of the consistency and professionalism of the Bulgarian power engineers to maintain the operational reliability of the plants at a high global level. The jubilee is an occasion of well-deserved pride for all former and current employees of Kardzhali HPP," he added.
Kardzhali hydropower plant is built on the downstream base of Kardzhali Dam. The plant is part of the first step of Arda Cascade incorporating two other hydropower plants - Ivailovgrad and Studen Kladenets. The cascade is located in the Eastern Rhodopes along the middle and lower reaches of the Arda river and plays a key role in renewable energy production. The plant has 4 hydro units with a total installed capacity of 122.4 MW in the generating mode.
In the period 2007-2010 Kardzhali HPP was rehabilitated, aa a result of which the total installed capacity was increased from 106.4 MW to 122.4 MW.
In its 60 years of operation, the plant has generated an impressive 6 743 551 814 kW/h of renewable energy.
An interesting and unique detail in the machine hall of Kardzhali HPP is the panel created by the artist Nikolay Tyurkedjiev in 1985. The figures in the panel symbolize energy, which is at the heart of any economy, and peace, which united create the rise. There is also much symbolism woven into the painting related to the energy of water.
