Lukomlskaya GRES increased electricity generation by 33% in January-September

October 28, Minsk / Anna Kot - BELTA /. Lukomlskaya GRES (Vitebsk region) increased electricity generation by 33% in January-September 2010 compared to the same period last year, the station informed BELTA correspondent. 10.688 billion kWh of electricity was produced. The capacity utilization of the largest Belarusian power plant in January-September averaged 246.8 MW per unit (compared to 225.1 MW in the same period of 2009) with a nominal capacity of one power unit of approximately 300 MW. The specific fuel consumption for electricity generation at Lukomlskaya GRES in January-September this year was 313.1 g per 1 kWh (compared to 314.4 g per 1 kWh in the same period of 2009). Over nine months, the station saved about 13.5 thousand tons of conventional fuel (compared to over 10 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 the nine 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 increased 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 daily savings 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, within the next five years, Lukomlskaya GRES plans to commission new generating equipment – a 400 MW combined cycle power 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 energy system of Belarus. In summer (the period of highest capacity utilization), it produces about 60% of the electricity generated in the republic. -0-