Sayanogorsk (until 1975 - the village of Oznachennoe) is a city in Russia, in the Republic of Khakassia. The administrative center of the urban district is the city of Sayanogorsk. It ranks third in the region in terms of area and population.
Sayanogorsk (Russian: Саяногорск; Khakas: Наа Сойан Тура, Naa Soyan
Tura) is a town in the Republic of Khakassia, a federal subject in the
Siberian District of Russia. It is situated on the left bank of the
Yenisei River, one of Russia’s mightiest rivers, approximately 80
kilometers (50 miles) south of Abakan, the capital of Khakassia, and 82
kilometers from Minusinsk. Located in Western Siberia, Sayanogorsk is
3,408 kilometers east of Moscow, placing it in the heart of Russia’s
Asian territory.
The town lies in the steppe zone, characterized
by flat, open landscapes with grasses and sparse vegetation, typical of
Siberia’s southern regions. The nearby Sayan Mountains add dramatic
relief to the south, influencing the region’s scenic beauty. Sayanogorsk
experiences a moderately sharp continental climate with significant
temperature extremes:
Average July temperature: +28.6°C (83.5°F)
Average January temperature: −27.0°C (−16.6°F)
Annual precipitation:
250–300 mm, mostly falling during the warmer months
Vegetation
period: Approximately 160 days
Recent weather data indicates
cloudy conditions with temperatures around 48°F, high humidity (76%),
and a growing atmospheric pressure of 1007 hPa, suggesting variable
Siberian weather. The Yenisei River, which divides the Sayan Mountains,
is a defining feature, providing both natural beauty and economic
significance through hydroelectric power.
Sayanogorsk was founded on November 6, 1975, as a direct result of
the construction of the Sayano-Shushenskaya Hydroelectric Power Plant on
the Yenisei River. The town replaced an older settlement called
Oznachennoe, which had historical roots dating back to the 18th century.
In 1717, Oznachennoe featured a border stone post and watchtower to
protect Khakasian lands. By 1830, peasants from the village of Ochury
established a permanent settlement there. The modern era began in the
late 1960s with the hydroelectric project, which spurred rapid
development, including the construction of modern housing in 1968 and
the establishment of the Sayanmramor marble industrial complex in 1973.
The Sayan Aluminum Plant (SaAZ), commissioned in 1985, further
solidified Sayanструй ogorsk’s industrial importance. The town’s growth
was driven by Soviet-era industrialization, transforming a rural area
into a hub for energy and aluminum production.
Sayanogorsk is incorporated as the Town of Sayanogorsk, an administrative unit equivalent to a district, which includes two work settlements (Cheremushki and Mayna) and one rural locality (Bogoslovka). As a municipal division, it forms the Sayanogorsk Urban Okrug. The current mayor is Leonid Bykov.
Sayanogorsk’s population has remained relatively stable:
2010
Census: 49,887
2002 Census: 50,255
1989 Soviet Census: 50,188
Some sources estimate a higher population of around 66,100, possibly
including surrounding settlements. The majority of residents are ethnic
Russians, with a significant Khakas minority, the indigenous people of
the region, whose language and culture influence local identity. The
town’s population is largely employed in industrial sectors,
particularly aluminum production and hydroelectric operations.
Sayanogorsk’s economy is heavily industrialized, driven by two major
facilities:
Sayano-Shushenskaya Hydroelectric Power Plant:
Located south of the town, this is Russia’s largest hydroelectric dam
and the world’s fifth-largest by installed capacity (6,400 megawatts).
Completed in 1985, it powers industrial development in the Minusinsk
Basin and beyond. The dam, standing 242 meters high and stretching 1,070
meters along its upper crest, is a marvel of engineering, fully restored
after a significant accident in 2009.
The dam’s museum, housed within
the facility, displays over 600 exhibits, including photos and documents
detailing its construction.
Sayanogorsk Aluminum Smelter (SaAZ):
Commissioned in 1985, this is Russia’s largest producer of aluminum
alloys and the third-largest aluminum smelter operated by RUSAL. It
employs the majority of Sayanogorsk’s workforce and is a testing ground
for cutting-edge technologies, such as the RA-550 cells. In 2017, a new
melting furnace enabled the production of flat ingots and the recycling
of over 20,000 tons of aluminum waste annually. In 2018, a STAS ladle
cleaning system boosted alloy production by an additional 20,000 tons
per year.
The Khakas Aluminum Smelter (ChaAZ), opened in 2006,
complements SaAZ, both controlled by the Russian aluminum giant RUSAL,
owned by oligarchs Viktor Vekselberg and Oleg Deripaska.
Other
Industries:
Sayanmramor, the largest stone-working plant in Russia,
produces marble and granite plates, operational since 1973.
The
Maynskaya Hydroelectric Power Station and smaller industrial complexes
contribute to the local economy.
The industrial focus has made
Sayanogorsk a key player in Siberia’s economy, though it relies on
federal support and corporate investment due to its specialized
production.
Sayanogorsk is well-connected by road and water links to Abakan and
Minusinsk, facilitating trade and travel. The nearest airports are
Abakan Airport (54 miles away) and Irkutsk Airport, with no direct
airport transfer services from local hotels. The town’s infrastructure
supports its industrial and cultural roles:
Education:
Sayanogorsk has ten schools, a subsidiary of Krasnoyarsk State
University (KSU), a branch of Tomsk University of Control Systems and
Radioelectronics (TUSUR), Sayanogorsk Polytechnic College, and
South-Siberian Regional College. These institutions provide technical
and vocational training, aligning with the town’s industrial needs.
Media: The town has a local TV channel, TV-7, which broadcasts STS
programming, and publishes periodicals like Environment, Sayanogorsk
Courier, Sayan Statements, and Business Sayanogorsk.
Healthcare and
Services: Basic amenities, including pharmacies, supermarkets, and a
sports and health center, are available. The Sayanogorsk Hotel offers
modern accommodations with a spa, indoor pool, sauna, and restaurants
serving Russian, European, and Khakas cuisines.
Sayanogorsk blends industrial modernity with Khakas cultural
heritage. The Khakas, an indigenous Turkic people, contribute to the
town’s identity through their language, traditions, and cuisine,
featured in local restaurants. The town is home to cultural institutions
like:
Sayanogorsk Regional Museum: Opened in 1999, it houses a
valuable collection of bronze artifacts from various epochs, reflecting
Khakassia’s ancient history.
Museum of the Sayano-Shushenskaya
Hydroelectric Power Station: Located within the dam, it showcases the
facility’s history and engineering achievements.
Sports are
prominent, with the Borus volleyball club based in Sayanogorsk and
notable figures like bandy player Yevgeny Shadrin, born in the town. The
Gladenkaya ski resort attracts winter sports enthusiasts, offering
scenic slopes in the Sayan Mountains.
Sayanogorsk is a niche destination for industrial and nature tourism,
with several key attractions:
Sayano-Shushenskaya Dam:
A top
attraction, this engineering marvel is accessible by car or public bus
from Sayanogorsk. It features an observation deck, shops, restrooms, and
a monument to the builders with hidden fish carvings in the stone.
Visitors praise its scale and the surrounding Siberian landscape, though
winter visits can be challenging due to cold and wind.
Tripadvisor
reviews highlight its appeal for engineering enthusiasts and the
breathtaking Yenisei River canyon.
Borus Mountain Ridge:
A
popular hiking and skiing destination, Mount Borus is considered
Sayanogorsk’s “calling card” for its scenic views and accessibility.
Sayanmramor and Mramorka:
The marble and granite quarries and
nearby Mramorka area offer insights into the stone-working industry and
natural beauty.
Izerbel Park:
A local park ideal for families
and couples, offering recreational activities.
Orhono-Yeniseisk
Script Monument:
A historical site celebrating the ancient Turkic
script of the region.
Silver Bay Trout Farm:
A unique
attraction for fishing enthusiasts, showcasing local aquaculture.
Tourism is supported by resources like Tripadvisor (397 reviews) and
local tour operators like Sayan Ring, which promote industrial and
cultural excursions. The town’s natural setting, with the Yenisei River
and Sayan Mountains, appeals to adventurous travelers, though its remote
location and harsh winters require planning.