OREANDA-NEWS. May 11, 2012. Modernize heat production technology by installing new biomass boilers – such was the conclusion presented by Danish consultancy firm specialists upon carrying out a feasibility study at the Lithuanian Power Plant.

Lietuvos energija has completed the preliminary stage of the Lithuanian Power Plant renovation project. The results of Danish consultancy firm Ramboll Danmark‘s feasibility study were presented to the company‘s managing body. “Having evaluated the alternatives for heat production at the Lithuanian Power Plant and the possibility of expanding the use of biomass for producing heat in the Elektrenai region, it was proposed that we install new heat production capacities, which would be made up of biomass-fueled hot water boilers as well as gas steam boilers,” - says Lietuvos energija CEO Dalius Misiunas.

The total capacity of the new Lithuanian Power Plant biomass boilers would reach 40 MW, and 50 MW for the steam boilers. The new equipment would be maximized. It is planned that 90% of the heat demand will be ensured by producing heat in biomass boilers and using local fuel sources. The gas steam boilers are necessary for the functioning of the power plant‘s technological equipment and starting up units of the power plant that are transferred to reserve. It is planned that the new heat production equipment, which would produce heat for residents and businesses in the Elektrenai region, will be constructed and put into operation at the end of 2013. 

The new biomass boilers that are planned to be installed are a part of the general Lithuanian Power Plant renovation project, together with the new 455 MW combined cycle unit which is currently being tested. “Once the capacities of the power plant have been renewed, flexible planning of the generation of electricity and heat will be possible. Equipment that is much more efficient and the utilization of biomass will allow for the reduced use of imported gas and the abandonment of dated, inefficient units which were installed half a century ago,” said Mr. Misiunas.

It is asserted that the modernization of heat production at the Lithuanian Power Plant will permit the country‘s energy sector to not only become less dependent on increasingly expensive imported gas, but also to ensure competitive and stable heating prices in the Elektrenai region.

The company is actively preparing for the implementation of the biomass boiler project – documents for the environmental impact assessment are being prepared, as are documents for construction and design planning procurement. Pre-project documentation is planned to be prepared by July of this year, and it is anticipated that the contract work agreement will be signed by year-end.

On March 30, Lietuvos Energija announced a public tender for the acquisition of a 131 million LTL loan. Slightly more than half of the funds will be allocated to the financing of the biomass project in Elektrenai. The remaining amount will be used for the company‘s investment projects, including the completion of the combined cycle unit construction project.