2022-05-26
Litgrid prepares for the isolated operation test of Lithuania’s electricity system by testing the main Lithuanian power plants
Tests in March and April verified the ability of the power plants to operate at high frequency deviations. This is the first time such tests have been carried out in Lithuania.
“The isolated operation test is one of the most important steps in preparing for synchronisation with the continental European grids. From an engineering point of view, this is one of the most complex and interesting projects. For the first time, Lithuania’s electricity system will operate completely independently, so we are preparing for the test in a responsible way: we are working with electricity producers, distribution operators and priority important consumers. The tests of the power plants have been successful and we can state that the major power generators meet the technical parameters required for isolated operation,” says Rokas Masiulis, the CEO of Litgrid.
The power plant tests involved Ignitis Elektrėnai Complex Units 7, 8 and the Combined Cycle Units, Kaunas Algirdas Brazauskas’ Hydroelectric Power Plant, Kruonis Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Power Plant, Kaunas Combined Heat and Power Plant, Kaunas Cogeneration Power Plant, Panevėžys Combined Heat and Power Plant, and Orlen Lietuva Power Plant.
The tests were carried out by the Turkish company EPRA Elektrik Enerji İnş. ve Tic.
Ltd. Şti. together with Litgrid specialists, with whom a contract for the isolated work test study was signed.
Ltd. Şti. together with Litgrid specialists, with whom a contract for the isolated work test study was signed.
The isolated test itself is planned for September. It will be the first time that the entire Lithuanian electricity system will be temporarily disconnected from the IPS/UPS synchronous zone and will operate in island mode. Prior to the test, “Litgrid” also plans to check the readiness of priority critical customers to work during the test, to coordinate the test with transmission system operators in other countries, to carry out training of dispatchers and to prepare IT systems for dispatching.
Before synchronisation with the continental European grid, the Baltic states will also carry out a joint isolated operation test of the three countries.
To date, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, together with Russia and Belarus, operate in an IPS/UPS system where the electricity frequency is centrally regulated in Russia. Connection to continental European grids and synchronous operation with Poland, Germany and other continental European countries will be secured no later than 2025.
More than 40% of the work needed for synchronisation has now been completed and 5 synchronisation projects have been implemented. These include the extension of the 330 kV Bitėnai transformer substation, the construction of the 110 kV Pagėgiai-Bitėnai line, the reconstruction of the 330 kV Lietuvos elektrinė-Vilnius line, the extension of the LitPol Link and the optimisation of the Northeastern Lithuania transmission network.
