At the source of electricity in the Russian Far East: from the history of hydraulic engineering studies of the 1930s

The article deals with the historical aspects of the research of hydro power in the Russian Far East in the 1930s. The research topic is relevant as it is necessary to understand the historical experience and lessons of hydraulic engineering studies of the 1930s; it is possible to set practical recommendations on the basis of the findings in order to develop efficient mechanisms for making important economic decisions, as well as to predict hydro power development of the Russian Far East. The subject of study of this article is understudied in the national historiography. The author has the following objectives: 1) to analyze the process of studying the river water resources in the Russian Far East at the end of the 19th - the first quarter of the 20th centuries; 2) to consider the conditions and characteristics of the hydraulic study and research in the far eastern part in the Russia Far East in the 1930s; 3) to show the results and the value of activities for hydro power held in the 1930s in the Russian Far East. As part of industrialization, the country carried out extensive exploration and research throughout the territory of the Russian Far East, including hydraulic investigations to identify the sources of power for the hydraulic design of hydro power plants. The study of hydro power resources of the Russian Far East was preceded by the long-term monitoring of the water regime of the Far East rivers with a view of their transport development. There were hypotheses and projects of using water energy to power individual cities or areas. The committee on the drafting of the General Plan of electrification of the Far Eastern Territory in 1931 played a large role in the mainstreaming of the study of water resources. The research of the energy potential of the Far East rivers began in 1932 by the Gidroelektroproekt [hydro-electro-project] trust. In May 1935, the Far Eastern Branch of the trust was formed. During the first four years, dozens of large and small rivers of the Far East were investigated, plenty of detailed reports, descriptions and maps were made, a number of large and small projects of hydro power plants were drawn up. However, the quality of design and survey work was extremely low. Despite the lasting hydraulic engineering research and studies, the establishment of various design organizations, the funds to carry out complex works, the hydro-power in the Far East did not develop in the 1930s. The author makes the following conclusions: 1) conducting hydro surveys and studies in the Russian Far East took place in difficult climatic and geographical conditions, in which Soviet hydraulic engineers had to work; 2) in the 1930s there was no sufficient experience and necessary knowledge to work on HPP projects in the complex hydro-logical conditions of the Far East. However, the research of hydraulic engineers, conducted during industrialization, contributed to further exploration of the energy potential of the Russian Far East and to the subsequent development of its hydro power.

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