POWER ENGINEERING PROBLEMS OF THE FRONT-LINE AREAS OF CENTRAL OF RUSSIA IN 1941–1945

Abstract

The article studies the main problems of the power engineering of the front-line areas of the centre of Russia during World War II. The details of the evacuation of power plant equipment from the centre of the country to the Urals and Siberia, the organisation in the front-line zone of uninterrupted supply of electricity to the army and industrial enterprises, and the power plants recovery on the territory liberated from the enemy are shown. The problems and diffi culties in the work of labour collectives, such as providing power plants with fuel and workforce are pointed out. The main ways to overcome them are analysed. The novelty of the study lies in the fact that for the fi rst time an attempt is made for comprehensive, multi aspect study of the work of the branch in 1941-1945. The most important factors contributing to the organisation of the uninterrupted operation of energy facilities are elicited. Among them is a patriotic upsurge; the advantage of planned, policy-based methods for managing the industry; tightening, in accordance with the martial laws, labour legislation; the employment of prisoners of the Gulag of the NKVD of the USSR in the construction of power plants; achievements of scientists, inventors and innovators of production. The range of issues requiring further scientifi c study is determined.