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Kaunas Heat and Power Plant (KHPP) plans focus not only on the upcoming heating season, but also on the investment in the amount of around one billion litas into the new power plant in Kaunas of 350 MW capacity. Once built, it would ensure reliable electric power supply to the Lithuanian consumers and heat to Kaunas residents.

Already this year it is planned to start an open invitation to tender of contractor for the turnkey construction of the power plant. The new power plant would come into operation before the beginning of the heating season of 2011-2012. It should be one of the most modern power stations in eastern and central Europe.

National Energy Strategy defines a more rapid development of the capacity of more economical thermal power plants. After the shutdown of Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant before the new power plant is built, the cheapest electricity generation sources in Lithuania should be the thermal power plants in Kaunas and Vilnius, as well as the Lithuanian Power Plant.

The intended new power plant project serves the aims of the National Energy Strategy and the investment commitments by Kaunas Power Plant made to KAUNO ENERGIJA.

 

 

As the Head of KHPP Antanas Pranculis states the world practice demonstrates that facilities at thermal power plants shall serve roughly for 30 years. Considering that the majority of current facilities at Kaunas Power Plant are maintained for about such period of time and in pursuance of reliable and efficient energy production, it is required to make investment contributions for their renovation. In the light of the situation after the shutdown of Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant, KHPP managers decided on the construction of a new power plant in Kaunas.

Russian natural gas concern GAZPROM, the major KHPP owner, supplies fuel to the power plant at attractive prices.

“This power plant will produce electricity and heat. Electricity capacity would reach 350 MW and that of the heat almost 300 megawatts. Power plant will be equipped with gas turbines and steam generators and turbines. Energy production will use natural gas. As the project is prepared, investors hope it will pay back in five years, though the payback period in energy sector reaches up to ten years”, explained Mr Pranculis.

 

 

Being conscious of environment protection importance to the community, Kaunas Heat and Power Plant is constantly improving its modes of operation and installs preventive measures. Referring to long experience and knowledge of its specialists, the enterprise strives for minimization of negative effect on environment.

“The new power plant is planned to be equipped with energy production technology in compliance with the strict EU environmental requirements. Air emission controls are to be performed by an automated continuous monitoring system. Our principle: Clean Environment for Future Generations”, affirmed Mr Pranculis.

Research on the environmental impact of the new power plant was conducted by the specialists from the company EKOKONSULTACIJOS and researchers from Kaunas University of Technology. It was determined that the highest pollution may occur around the highway Vilnius-Klaipėda, but it should not exceed the permissible level. In pursuance of the reduction of environmental pollution in Kaunas, the minimum height of new stacks was increased from 60 to 80 metres even.

According to A. Pranculis, once the more efficient heat and energy production technology is equipped, quantity of pollutants would show substantial decline. In addition, noisy facilities at the new power plant shall be equipped at closed and acoustically isolated premises.

Expanded Kaunas Power Plant shall become a reliable and cheap resource for heat production. Upon the failure of this project, future energy generation prices should inevitably become higher in Kaunas.

 

 

During the recent five year Kaunas inhabitants have been enjoying cheap heat because KHPP was committed to not raise the heat prices to KAUNO ENERGIJA, owned by Kaunas Municipality. Prices shall show somewhat growth during the second quarter.

“Over five year prices of natural gas imported from Russia had been in constant growth. Once the formula for the calculation of heat price is applied, the heat is to be sold at more than 18 cents. Being aware of how much other urban population spends on heating and with reference to the interests of Kaunas residents, we will pursue the application of a substantial discount”, stressed the Head of KHPP.

As he states, the power plant is ready to renounce part of its own profit in order to continue selling heat at lower prices than they are in other larger cities of Lithuania.

 

 

Together with the operator of the power plant ENERGIJOS SISTEMŲ SERVISAS, KHPP was searching for the means to raise the reliability of heat supply in the city. In summer 2006 KHPP leased Petrašiūnai Power Plant, which led to possible increase in the supplied heat quantity to the city. Currently KHPP supplies about 95 % of heat to Kaunas (almost 15 % more than the power plant contractual commitment).

Being the owner of Petrašiūnai Power Plant, the enterprise possesses the heat supply recourse in reserve; therefore, it raises the reliability of services rendered. Management of both of the sources from one location raises efficiency, ensures more rapid response to any disorders or breakdowns and reduction of risk. Maintenance of energy objects, with one enterprise as the owner of energy object and the other as operator, is a novelty in Lithuania.

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