Moscow. 12 November 2003. The cross-border power transmission line (PTL) "Ekibastuz Barnaul" has been put into operation today. This 700-km long 500 kV transmission line is part of the transcontinental power transmission line "Barnaul Ekibastuz Kokchetav Kustanay Chelyabinsk".
PTL "Barnaul Ekibastuz Kokchetav Kustanay Chelyabinsk" was built in 1988. It is a unique power transmission facility of 1150 kV that has no equal in the world. However, in April 1997 the parallel operation of Russia and Kazakhstan's energy systems was terminated, and the operation of the transmission line was discontinued. It suffered from numerous thefts of wires and disassembly of its power transmission line towers.
After synchronous operation of Kazakhstan's energy system and UES of Russia* was resumed, it became necessary to arrange electricity transfers through that PTL. The restoration work at the Kazakh part of the transmission line was conducted by Kazakhstan Electricity Grid Operating Company KEGOC, whereas the Russian part of the project was implemented by OAO "Federal Grid Company of UES" (wholly-owned subsidiary of RAO "UES of Russia"), with USD1.5 million in funds provided from the Company's own funds.
The start-up of the Ekibastuz-Barnaul transmission line will enhance reliability of synchronous operation of the Russian energy system and those of Kazakhstan and the Republics of Central Asia. Besides, it is now possible to transfer the relatively cheap electricity generated by the HPPs located in Siberia to Urals and the Central part of Russia.
* To date, RAO "UES of Russia" has restored synchronous operation with energy systems of 14 out of the 15 former Soviet Republics.
|