The Rogun Dam project in Tajikistan is an ambitious hydropower endeavor aimed at harnessing the Vakhsh River to generate renewable energy for the region. Originally launched in 1976 during the Soviet era, the project faced numerous delays due to financial and political challenges, especially after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Construction was officially revived in 2016 with the Tajik government’s commitment to complete the project, seeking to address the country’s energy needs and reduce its dependency on energy imports.
Upon completion, Rogun Dam will stand at approximately 335 meters, making it the tallest rockfill dams in the world. The project includes multiple hydropower stations that, together, are expected to produce up to 3,600 megawatts of electricity (the equivalent of three nuclear power plants), transforming Tajikistan into a key player in regional energy exports. The dam’s construction is considered crucial not only for energy production but also for promoting economic growth, job creation, and enhanced infrastructure in Tajikistan. The first turbine became operational in 2018, marking a significant milestone in the dam’s phased development, with full completion anticipated in the coming years.
Since 2016 until 2024, Sisgeo has supplied a huge number of instruments:
- borehole extensometers with vibrating wire displacement transducers
- Tell-Tale extensometer
- vibrating wire straingauges
- vibrating wire piezometers
- titanum piezometers
- vibrating wire embedment jointmeters
- vibrating wire pressure cells
- vibrating wire crackmeters
- H-Level digital gauges
- submersible MEMS tiltmeters
- electric load cells
- optical targets
- termo-strings
- water level indicators
- LT-Inclibus
- inclinometer casing
- BRAIN systems
- Readout portable datalogger
- OmniaLog dataloggers and WR-Logs
Given the immense height of the dam and challenging environmental conditions, Sisgeo applied significant enhancements to standard equipment, ensuring exceptional durability and reliability in this demanding setting.
A notable adaptation is found in the Tell-Tale extensometers with electrical transducers. These devices, installed within the embankment foundation, required water resistance to a pressure of 30 bar. Sisgeo developed a unique cable connection featuring dual water protection systems, each capable of independently meeting the IP protection requirements, guaranteeing robust performance under high pressure.
Sisgeo’s collaboration with top consultants on this project fostered the development of advanced technical solutions that meet the stringent quality and longevity standards essential for the Rogun Dam. This success was made possible through Sisgeo’s extensive experience in dam monitoring worldwide.
