Made for Russia—and the World: How Moscow Is Building Its Own Gas Turbines
By combining deep engineering expertise, advanced IT capabilities, and strong government support, Russia is making an assertive push to regain control over one of the most critical sectors of its energy infrastructure: gas turbine production.
A National Push to Rebuild Domestic Turbine Capacity
According to Russia’s General Energy Plan (2025–2042), the country plans to add over 88 GW of new generation capacity, with much of it concentrated in thermal and nuclear power plants. That scale of development brings with it a massive demand for gas turbines. The government estimates that by 2030, Russia will need 50 to 60 domestically manufactured gas turbines, totaling approximately 7 GW in capacity.
To meet this demand, Russia is investing heavily in its energy machinery sector, treating gas turbine manufacturing as a strategic industrial priority. What was once an import-heavy market, dominated by global players like Siemens and Alstom, is now transitioning toward self-sufficiency.
From Import Dependence to Full-Cycle Manufacturing
Before 2022, Russian energy utilities relied extensively on imported gas turbines. But after Western companies pulled out of the market, Moscow faced an urgent challenge: to develop a fully localized supply chain—from design and manufacturing to maintenance.
The response began with reviving the country’s aerospace and propulsion R&D base. One of the flagship efforts is the GTD-110M, a heavy-duty gas turbine derived from the NK-32 jet engine platform. Rated at roughly 110 MW, this machine is suitable for both power generation and gas transmission. Engineers leveraged advanced digital tools and simulation platforms to bring the project to life.
Digital Tools at the Heart of Turbine Innovation
Modern IT infrastructure plays a key role throughout the product lifecycle. Russian developers rely on local CAD and simulation systems like T-FLEX CAD and KOMPAS-3D to digitally model every turbine component, spot weaknesses early, and optimize designs for real-world conditions.
Manufacturing processes have been similarly transformed. CNC machines, automated lines, and machine vision systems ensure precision at every stage. All shopfloor operations are integrated into centralized control systems for real-time monitoring. Artificial intelligence is also being deployed to track sensor data and predict part wear, helping prevent downtime.
Equally crucial is the shift to Russian-made microelectronics and software. With global restrictions on advanced chip exports, companies are accelerating the development of domestic processors, controllers, and embedded control systems—key to building a fully independent gas turbine ecosystem.
First Deployments Underway—and Scaling Up
The GTD-110M is already seeing real-world deployment. A test unit is operating at the Ivanovo Combined-Cycle Power Plant, while the first production model has been installed at the Udarnaya Thermal Power Station in southern Russia. Three more units are scheduled for delivery by 2026 to modernize the Novocherkassk Power Plant.
To ramp up output, state-owned defense and manufacturing conglomerate Rostech has announced a major investment: a 43,000-square-meter turbine assembly complex in Rybinsk, scheduled for completion within three years. Backed by $22 million in soft loans from Russia’s Industry Development Fund, the facility is expected to significantly increase annual production capacity.
Built to Compete: Lighter, More Efficient, Ready to Export
The GTD-110M offers tangible advantages over foreign-built turbines: reduced weight and footprint, better fuel efficiency, and tailored integration into gas and combined-cycle power plants. By 2028, Rostech aims to produce up to four large turbines annually, with a goal of delivering 42 units by 2035.
That would meet only about 20% of projected demand across the Commonwealth of Independent States—leaving space for another major domestic player. The Russian government sees this as a springboard for international expansion.
Tapping Global Markets Hungry for Reliable Energy
For many nations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, Russian turbines represent a compelling alternative: technically competitive, geopolitically independent, and economically accessible. In regions where energy demand is growing and infrastructure is aging, Russian-made turbines could become a new export success—especially amid shifting perceptions of Western suppliers.
Beyond Substitution: A Full-Fledged Industrial Breakthrough
Russia’s gas turbine program is about more than replacing imports. It reflects a broader industrial transformation where traditional manufacturing merges with cutting-edge digital tools, smart automation, and national policy. The result is a more sovereign, more resilient energy sector—and a new chapter for Russian industry.
