The first technological equipment for the new combined cycle power plant under construction at the Lukomlskaya GRES has arrived.

We remind our readers that it is here that the largest Belarusian-Chinese investment and innovation project in our country is being implemented within the framework of the State Program for the Development of the Belarusian Energy System. In September last year, a contract was signed between RUP "Vitebskenergo" and China National Machinery Engineering Corporation for the turnkey comprehensive construction of a 427 MW combined cycle power plant. In January of this year, the first stone was laid for the foundation of the future power unit. And today, in Novolukoml, preparations for installation are in full swing: on the evening of November 2, the first equipment arrived here – a generator manufactured by the well-known German company Siemens.

The huge cargo weighing 308 tons took more than a month to reach its destination – from the port of Rotterdam to Kherson, from there by a special barge along the Black Sea and the Dnieper to Berezino. Compared to the entire "journey," a tiny section of the route from Borisov to Novolukoml remained, but it turned out to be almost the most difficult. The shortest route had to be abandoned because not all bridges on the road could withstand the weight of the giant, and the generator on special transport of "BelDortransTjazh" accompanied by the traffic police and other services went around – through Dokshitsky and Lepelsky districts. In about a month, the turbine will also arrive in Novolukoml – it has also already begun its sea voyage from Germany. The cost of the generator together with the turbine is about 74 million, and the entire project is 368 million US dollars. These are Chinese investments aimed at modernizing the Belarusian energy sector.

Currently, over 300 Chinese specialists are working alongside Belarusians in Novolukoml. The new power unit will be commissioned in 2014 and will save 242 thousand tons of conventional fuel per year. This means gas consumption will decrease threefold. In monetary terms, the savings will amount to 90 million dollars per year. Vitebsk power engineers will adopt the most advanced, economical, environmentally friendly, and efficient technologies, which will make a significant contribution to ensuring the country's energy security.
In the photo: 098 – a 50-meter-long road train carrying a generator for the new CCGT is met by a journalist at the border of Lepel and Chashniki districts.

Text and photos by Elena TELIATKO.