Lukoml GRES to be modernized

The Lukomlskaya State District Power Plant (GRES), which generates 30-35% of all electricity in Belarus, will undergo systematic modernization, stated Andrey Panchenko, General Director of RUP "Vitebskenergo".

After the launch of the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant (BelNPP), the country's largest GRES was planned to be optimized and switched to reserve mode, enabling it to compensate for electricity generation during scheduled maintenance at the nuclear facility. "Despite the fact that one power unit is connected at BelNPP and the second is planned to be commissioned in 2023, the Lukomlskaya GRES remains the flagship of Belarus's energy sector. It is the largest branch within the RUP "Vitebskenergo" system, employing approximately 1.6 thousand people. It is a powerful power plant that provides 30-35% of the country's total electricity. Both we and the Ministry of Energy leadership believe that the GRES must continue to develop, and systematic modernization will be carried out at the plant. The team here is professional, and under no circumstances should it be lost. All units will operate. I see only prospects for this station," emphasized Andrey Panchenko.

"Our station serves as a backup. What does this mean? If the NPP undergoes scheduled preventive maintenance, including for combined cycle gas turbines, or if inspections involving foreign specialists are conducted, the Lukomlskaya GRES will connect its equipment to generate the electricity previously produced by the BelNPP equipment undergoing repair. Currently, we are engaged in the construction of a peak-reserve source, which is a regulatory integration measure following the commissioning of BelNPP, and it is being implemented not only here but also at three other major sites – in Bereza, Minsk, and Novopolotsk," shared Kirill Matsarsky, Acting Director of Lukomlskaya GRES.

Upon his first visit to the Lukomlskaya GRES, the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Alexander Subbotin, noted that the power plant had impressed him. He familiarised himself with its operations, inquired about its prospects, and met with the enterprise's staff. "The purpose of my visit here is to familiarise myself with the Chashniki District, among other things. We are planning to hold the regional "Dazhynki" here in 2025 and make them unusual, involving two towns – Chashniki and Novolukoml. We also want to see where we will develop further, develop common approaches and ways to improve here, and in what areas we can grow. The Lukomlskaya GRES is a significant component of the entire energy system of Belarus. This is my first time here, and the impressions of the facility are strong. The technologies here are both Soviet, quite powerful, and modern – with gas turbine units, which have higher efficiency. I think industrial tourism can also be developed here," noted the head of the region.

At the meeting with the GRES staff, Alexander Subbotin discussed important issues that concerned local power engineers, spoke about the plans for the Chashniki District, and outlined the main directions for the development of the region as a whole.

Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by