Lithuanian Power Plant (the LPP)

Brief overview

The Lithuanian Power Plant (the LPP) – a structural department of Lietuvos energija, AB produces electricity and heat energy, and provides ancillary services. The plant is situated 2 km northeast of Elektrenai town. The current area of the power station covers 144.68 ha. After the shutdown of the Ignalina’ Nuclear Power Plant in 2010, the LPP became the largest source of electricity generation in Lithuania.

New Combined-Cycle Gas Turbine Unit Starts: 2012 m. Autumn

The LPP has an installed capacity of 1800 MW:

• 4 units of 150 MW (2 of these are adapted for broader and more effective energy generation covering heat production demand);
• 4 units of 300 MW;
• Despite the fact that all units are adapted for gas combustion and heavy fuel oil (HFO) the latter is used for production in the 7th and 8th units with smoke filters.

The LPP generated 1.9 TWh of electricity in 2010, i.e. 20% of state demand.

History

The LPP was built between the summer of 1960 and September 1972. Currently, it is the largest energy generating plant in Lithuania, with a capacity of 1800 MW. The LPP used to operate at full operational capacity thus meeting total state electricity demand, and producing up to 9 billion kWh of electricity.

The operational mode changed after Lithuania regained its independence. Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant appeared to be the major supplier of cheap electric energy. Therefore, the LPP was used as a reserve unit for the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant in case of a sudden shutdown, and to cover electricity demands during total blackouts.

With changes in the economic situation, there was a demand for alternative fuel sources. Due to the increase in oil prices, the combustion of heavy fuel oil, previously widely used, had to be limited. The decision to use MSAR (oil emulsion, Multiphase Superfine Atomized Residue) was made after performing industrial tests and installing appropriate equipment that fires emulsion (an electro-static filter in the second unit has been used since 1995). In order to keep equipment in good condition, repair and maintenance works are carried out on a regular basis, together with the installation of modern innovations that increase reliability and economic use of the equipment. Reconstruction of the 330 kV the LPP distribution station was finished in 1997 and further modernization to enhance environmental safety of the plant was also carried out. In addition, smoke cleaning filters were installed in the seventh and eighth units, and low oxide output burners were mounted in all units with the exception of the third and fourth units.

After the shutdown of the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant in December 2010, the LPP set some new objectives. One of the most significant is to remain the primary generating source of electric energy in Lithuania while at the same time fulfilling electricity demands. In order to achieve these objectives, a new 450MW unit is going to be built; the unit is due to commence operations in September 2012. The unit will produce sufficient electricity to cover 20-25% of Lithuanian domestic demand. Moreover, the amount of natural gas used to produce the same amount of energy, will be reduced by up to 30%. The LPP will continue its efficient operation in order to ensure energy security, reliability and energy reserves of the state.