OREANDA-NEWS. December 29, 2012. Lietuvos Energija is planning to commission EPC construction works for the fifth hydro unit to expand generation capacity of Kruonis Pumped Storage Power Plant (PSPP). Technical requirements for the new unit are provided to potential equipment suppliers and EPC contractors for public consultations.

The fifth 225 MW hydro unit of Kruonis PSPP, which will be able to operate at 110-225 MW capacity in pumping mode and at 55-225 MW capacity in generating mode, will increase overall capabilities of the power plant. The new unit is expected to achieve a coefficient of performance of 78%.

The technical specifications published encompass equipment’s and penstock’s engineering, manufacturing/procurement, installation and commissioning works (both - mechanical and electrical) as well as installation of control system for the unit.

The general shareholder meeting of Lietuvos Energija gave the go-ahead for the commercial project to expand generation capacity of Kruonis PSPP. This decision was made in consideration of the current infrastructure of Kruonis PSP, objectives of the National Energy Strategy and with the aim to develop the electricity market and expand the range of Lietuvos Energija’s services.

“As more and more electricity is being generated using renewable sources, we need a hydro unit which is capable of flexible operation and can use accumulated surplus power to generate electricity when wind is low,” said CEO of Lietuvos Energija Dalius Misiunas, commenting on the reasons behind the expansion of Kruonis PSPP. According to him, after construction of power interconnectors with Sweden and Poland expansion of the electricity market, it will be possible to buy electricity at a lower price at night and sell it during the day when both, demand and price are higher.

Investment in the construction of the new unit of Kruonis PSP is put at 110 million EUR. Exploitation is foreseen before the launch of NordBalt and LitPol Link interconnections scheduled for the beginning of 2016.

All interested suppliers of equipment suppliers, contractors and service providers may present their observations and recommendations concerning the technical specifications (http://www.le.lt/en/procurement/information-about-kruonis-psp-expansion-project/) of contract works for building the new unit before 1 February 2013.