MOGILEV, 29 December (BelTA) – A solemn ceremony took place in Mogilev on 29 December to celebrate the completion of the investment project for reconstructing the city's cogeneration plant number one, BelTA has learned. The project was accomplished as part of the 2016-2020 power engineering industry development program. Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus Vladimir Semashko took part in the solemn ceremony.
According to the Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus, Mogilev cogeneration plant No. 1 represents a small part of the national power grid but many small parts make up everything. Thanks to the project's implementation about 18,000 tonnes of oil equivalent worth about $3 million will be saved every year. The main assets of the Belarusian power engineering system have been undergoing systematic modernization for the last 15 years. “Economic development depends a lot on such things. It is particularly true for Belarus since we import about 85% of the energy resources we need, primarily oil and natural gas. It is also important that the power grid operates smoothly and without malfunctions. Every Belarusian feels that,” said Vladimir Semashko.
A lot has been invested in the Belarusian power grid in the last few years and the dividends are now tangible. In the early 2000s the deterioration rate of the basic assets of the Belarusian power grid stood at 67% and the deterioration rate of the active equipment was as large as 83%. The deterioration rate of the basic assets dropped to 38% in late 2016. “It is the best result among the CIS states and many developed European countries. Belarus is also in the lead as far as efforts to reduce the GDP energy intensity in the Commonwealth of Independent States are concerned,” said Vladimir Semashko.
A 26.5MW gas turbine and a waste heat boiler were installed as part of the investment project for reconstructing Mogilev cogeneration plant No. 1. Electric technology equipment and auxiliary equipment were installed. Thanks to reconstruction the plant will be able to generate over 140 million kWh of electricity on top of the previous electricity output. The output figures can now be adjusted faster. Heat and electricity delivery to all kinds of customers is now more reliable. The reconstruction of the cogeneration plant will also allow satisfying the growing demand for heat and hot water in new construction areas of Mogilev. Modern equipment has improved the industrial standards and working conditions of the cogeneration plant's personnel. The project's cost is estimated at $46.6 million, with the recoupment period of 9.4 years.
The second stage of the project is supposed to be implemented soon. Worn-out turbo generators will be replaced with modern ones that boast heating backpressure and the power output capacity of 6MW each. A water supply intake on the Dnieper River will be built as well as a pump station.
Mogilev cogeneration plant No. 1 provides heating and hot running water to residential buildings, administrative buildings, and industrial enterprises and structures in the city's southwest. The cogeneration plant also delivers steam for industrial purposes to a number of enterprises such as Mogilevkhimvolokno, OAO Mogelit, OAO Lenta, and OAO Kozhevnik.
