Lukomlskaya GRES increased electricity generation by 30% in January-November

December 20, Minsk / Anna Kot - BELTA /. Lukomlskaya GRES (Vitebsk region) increased electricity generation by 30% in January-November 2010 compared to the same period last year, the station informed a BELTA correspondent. More than 13 billion kWh of electricity were produced. The capacity utilization of the largest Belarusian power plant in January-November averaged 246.1 MW per unit (compared to 224 MW in the same period of 2009) with a nominal capacity of each power unit of approximately 300 MW. The specific fuel consumption for electricity generation in January-November this year was 312.6 g per 1 kWh (compared to 313.3 g per 1 kWh in the same period of 2009). Over 11 months, the station saved approximately 16.5 thousand tons of conventional fuel (compared to 12.8 thousand tons in the same period last year). As explained at the station, the volume of energy produced corresponds to the set dispatch schedule. Based on the results of 11 months, the Belarusian power system as a whole generated more electricity than in the same period last year. The increase in generation is due to an increase in electricity consumption in the republic compared to the same period last year. Colder weather conditions also affected the volume of heat energy supplied. In addition, in May, Lukomlskaya GRES completed the modernization of four power units, which allows for a daily saving of up to 1.5 tons of conventional fuel for each unit, while the station's capacity has increased. As reported by Belenergo Production Association, over the next five years, Lukomlskaya GRES plans to commission new generating equipment – a 400 MW combined cycle gas turbine unit – using a Chinese loan. Thus, the generating equipment will be updated, and the overall efficiency of the power plant will be improved. Lukomlskaya GRES is a branch of RUP Vitebskenergo of Belenergo Production Association. The station has eight power units. The installed capacity of Lukomlskaya GRES is 2459.5 MW, which accounts for more than 30% of the installed capacity of the entire power system of Belarus. In summer (the period of highest capacity utilization), it produces about 60% of the electricity generated in the republic. -0-