OREANDA-NEWS. September 23, 2009. The Commission, appointed by State Energy Inspectorate Under the Ministry of Energy, recognized Vilnius transformer substation Centro as suitable for use.  The reconstruction work, performed stage-by-stage, lasted 2.5 years and the project is valued at LTL 10 million. The 110/10 kV transformer substation (TS), built in 1970 is now one of the most advanced in Lithuania.   

“Notwithstanding the ongoing recession, the investment into the grid development must not be discontinued. Reliability is our key priority while ensuring the reliable power supply. The domestic grid reinforcement is extremely important while preparing for operation after closure of Unit 2 of Ignalina nuclear power plant,” – says Mr. Aloyzas Koryzna, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Lietuvos Energija AB. According to him, currently the overhaul of Ignalina NPP is nearly complete, the rehabilitation of Naujoji Akmene, Sakiai, Silko, Savitiskio TS has been started. The short-term perspective of Lietuvos Energija includes projects of interconnection of 330 kV overhead lines Jurbarkas-Sovetskas and Klaipeda-Sovetskas comprising the construction of switchyard in Bitenai and expansion of Klaipeda transformer substation.

During the project, valued at approximately LTL 7 million, investments have been allocated to the substation’s equipment. This is the second substation in Lithuania, where modern GIS (Gas Insulated Switchgear) 110/10 kV voltage complex equipment have been installed. These are particularly safe, reliable, compact and long-lasting sets of equipment, operating at significantly lower costs.

The Centro TS can be controlled remotely from the despatch center of Lietuvos Energija AB. The indoor-type substation is totally noiseless, which is quite important for the high voltage substation, operating in downtown Vilnius and supplying power to town districts of Naujamiestis and Centras.

In 2009 Lietuvos Energija allocated LTL 120 million for investments. In August Lietuvos Energija completed one the largest investment projects of the company this year – renovation of 110 kV power transmission lines Kaunas-Jonava-Kedainiai-Panevezys and reconstruction of communication lines. The value of this project, launched in spring 2006, totaled LTL 18 million.