OREANDA-NEWS. May 18, 2009. The national electricity transmission grid operator Lietuvos Energija has completed the rehabilitation of Vilnius transformer substation – the major power supply node of the capital city. The substation has been commissioned into operation by the national commission. Lietuvos Energija AB has allocated LTL 86 million for this project, reported the press-centre of Lietuvos Energija.

The equipment of Vilnius transformer substation was in operation since its  construction in 1964. During the recent years the equipment became unreliable, the number failures increased and their repair costs became too high – it was time to perform the overall rehabilitation of the substation. We replaced the entire equipment", - says Mr. Vidmantas Grusas, Deputy CEO for Transmission Grid of Lietuvos Energija. According to him, the substation’s capacity following the reconstruction has increased to 350 megavolt amperes (MVA), a remote control and data transmission system has been installed, the reliability of electricity transmission to Vilnius region has gone up, the substation's operation costs have gone down.

The operation of Vilnius transformer substation is performed by the staff of six professionals of Lietuvos Energija, who also monitor the 330 kV switchyard of Lietuvos Elektrine power plant as well as 110 kV switchyard of Vilnius thermal power plant. “Subsequent to installation of the remote control system, the substation no longer needs the constant presence of the standby personnel. While getting ready for the new type of work, the specialists upgraded their qualifications and underwent training for the operation of the new equipment", - said Mr. V. Grusas.

Vilnius transformer substation is an outdoor-type 330/110/10 kV transformer substation – the third 330 kV substation in Lithuania. The substation was put into operation upon launching of 330 kV power transmission line Lietuvos Elektrine – Vilnius – Minsk. 

The reconstruction began in September 2006, after the Swedish company EMPOWER performed a feasibility study and recommended replacement of the entire equipment of the substation. Its replacement was carried out in two stages while ensuring uninterrupted supply of power.

The former equipment of Vilnius transformer substation will be used for repairs of other transformer substations. The metal structures of obsolete equipment will be disposed as scrap metal, the oil will be recycled.