New opportunities of Lukomlskaya GRES

A new page in the 46-year history of the flagship of Belarusian energy has been written by the implementation of a large-scale joint Belarusian-Chinese project within the framework of the State Program for the Development of the Belarusian Energy System – the construction of a combined cycle gas turbine plant (CCGT) with a capacity of 427 MW. Commissioned last year, it has made a significant contribution to ensuring the country's energy security. It was also a wonderful gift for the half-century anniversary of Novolukoml – the youngest city in our republic, which actually appeared thanks to the power plant. The annual production at the Lukomlskaya GRES is from 10 to 13 billion kilowatt-hours, i.e., up to 40% of the electricity generated in the entire country.

The power plant was one of the advanced ones before, ranking second in terms of efficiency throughout the post-Soviet space. Turboexpander units were first introduced here in Belarus, and the main and auxiliary equipment was modernized in stages. However, it was the construction of the CCGT that allowed us to reach new levels of efficiency, reliability, economy, and environmental safety, and to implement innovative technologies. According to design calculations, the new unit, equipped with the most modern equipment from global manufacturers, can save up to 170 thousand tons of conventional fuel annually. The first year of operation has shown that this is quite achievable. While the efficiency of the old equipment is approximately 40%, for the CCGT it is 57.02%. This means the new unit is one-third more economical, and the electricity generated here is sufficient to meet the needs of half of the Vitebsk region. In addition to over 800 Chinese specialists, more than 250 organizations and enterprises of Belarus, including those from Chashniki District, participated in the construction of the CCGT.

In parallel with the construction of the main and auxiliary buildings, and the installation and commissioning of equipment, personnel training for its maintenance was carried out. Specialists from Novolukoml visited similar enterprises in China.

The entire Lukomlskaya GRES is preparing for its professional holiday. "This is an opportunity to express words of gratitude to the best employees and recognize their skills, dedication to the energy sector and their home station," notes Sergey Solovyov, Deputy Director of LGRS for Social Issues and Ideological Work. "The Honor Board will be updated, and the laureates of the titles 'Distinguished Worker of the Belarusian Energy System' and 'Veteran of the Belarusian Energy System' will be named. Lukomlskaya GRES continues to be the flagship and guarantor of the country's energy security, a city-forming enterprise – today, more than 1700 Novolukoml residents work in the team. Even with the construction of the NPP, our station will not lose its significance and will be able to provide a reliable reserve of electricity for the needs of the national economy and the country's population. In the modern world, this is a crucial task."

Elena TELIATKO, "Vitebskiye Vesti".