OREANDA-NEWS. February 28, 2012. Kaunas Hydroelectric Power Plant (KHEPP) which is controlled by  Lietuvos energija, AB generated over one third of the total green“ energy produced in Lithuania last year. According to the estimations, the produced electricity amount would satisfy the power needs of 280 thousand households for a year .

According to the figures held by Litgrid electricity transmission system operator, in the year 2011 KHEPP generated over 35% or 385.8 million kWh (0.39 TWh) of the total electricity produced in Lithuania from renewable energy sources.  Last year, 1097 kWh (1.09 TWh) “green” electricity was generated in total in the country.

“Though the last year’s natural circumstances, such as lower and shorter-lasting flood of Kaunas Reservoir, prevented the hydroelectric power plant from using its capacity in full, the amount of “green” electricity produced by the plant was substantial, it would provide a city of the country with electricity for the whole year”, said CEO of Lietuvos energija, AB Mr. Dalius Misiunas.

According to him, notwithstanding comparatively small capacity, KHEPP is in particular important for the stability of the national energy system.  “It means that the power plant is not only generating electricity 24 hours per day which is supplied to consumers, but it is significant when volumes of generated electricity need to be increased or reduced urgently and then the KHEPPP makes important contribution to balancing of the whole energy system of Lithuania.  With hardly predictable volumes of electricity generated by wind turbines gradually growing, this function acquires increasing importance”, noted Mr. Misiunas.

In 2010, reconstruction of KHEPP was completed, which increased reliability of the power plant by three times, while efficiency by 4%.  Furthermore, its service life was extended by 25 years, periodicity of major repairs of its units was increased from 5 to 20 years.

Following the reconstruction of KHEPP, its environmental risks were significantly reduced, since oil previously used in the machinery was disposed and replaced with environmentally friendly oil.  New construction of hydro turbines ensures safe operation (possibility of oil discharge to the River Nemunas was eliminated).  Mounted waste containment facilities enable collection and disposal of all waste floating in the River Nemunas.  The hydroelectric power plant currently satisfies all environmental requirements applied to it.