NPC Ukrenergo has completed construction and opened a new 330kV high-voltage line in western Ukraine, said Volodymyr Kudrytsky, chairman of the board of the company.
“Today is Ukrenergo’s birthday (…) It is very symbolic that on this very day we are opening a new 330 kV high-voltage line in western Ukraine. This is the first power facility that Ukrenergo completed during the war,” he wrote on his page on Facebook on Friday.
Considering the limitation of martial law, Kudrytskyi did not talk in detail about this facility, but noted that the new line will increase the reliability of the Ukrainian network in terms of synchronous operation with ENTSO-E and create opportunities for the energy system to receive additional reserves from the Dniester PSP, which means – became more flexible and stable.
“Right now, it is important for us to report that Ukrenergo is able to operate and develop networks even in wartime conditions. Our efforts are focused not only on the resumption of networks affected by hostilities, but also on construction in regions where it is possible to continue implementing new infrastructure projects,” – stressed the head of Ukrenergo.
The company’s message on the website states that the cost of the project amounted to UAH 546 million. According to her, this is 20%, or UAH 134 million, less than the initial cost of the project.
The savings were achieved due to competition in the tender, as well as mainly due to the optimization of design solutions, the company explained, pointing out that the source of funding was Ukrenergo’s tariff funds and the company’s income from the sale of access to interstate cross-sections.
They indicated that the construction of the line, which took 17 months, was provided for in a 10-year plan for the development of the transmission system.
The importance of its opening is increasing due to the gradually growing consumption of electricity in the western region, which is associated with the relocation of business along the left-bank part of Ukraine to the western regions, Ukrenergo noted.
“The new line, together with previously installed equipment, significantly increases the reliability of power supply to consumers and industry throughout the Chernivtsi region,” the company stressed.
In addition, the line is also important for balancing the energy system of Ukraine, because thanks to it, in particular, the reliability of the operation of the Dniester PSP in pumping and generating modes by three hydraulic units in the normal scheme is increased, and taking into account the future construction of another 330 kV overhead line – by four hydro units.
“To connect the line, a number of works were carried out at two substations 750 kV and 330 kV. In particular, relay protection devices, emergency automation and communication devices were replaced at the 330 kV substation, and a new 330 kV closet was built at the 750 kV substation to connect the line,” the company described the work.
