Big Network Renovation: DTEK Donetsk Grids to reconstruct the 110 kV Dimitrovo substation for 12,000 customers

Thermal power generation16 September 2021

DTEK Donetsk Grids is reconstructing the powerful 110 kV Dimitrovo substation. When commissioned, more than 12,000 customers of Mirnograd and Novogrodovka will receive more reliable power supply. The company was in a position to implement such a large-scale project thanks to the investment incentive RAB tariffs introduced in 2021. Thus, the company could increase its investment program by 72% compared to 2020. These funds are used to modernize and develop the energy infrastructure in the Donetsk region considering the needs of its residents.

Big Network Renovation: DTEK Donetsk Grids to reconstruct the 110 kV Dimitrovo substation for 12,000 customers

110 kV Dimitrovo substation is one of the backbones in the overall structure of power supply in the central part of the region. It provides power supply to 8,000 residents of Mirnograd and 4,000 residents of Novogrodovka, industrial customers, as well as social facilities. The substation was built in 1973 and will now be completely renovated.

“We were inspired by the national program “Big construction”, so we launched the “Big Network Renovation” project in the energy sector. Thanks to the investment incentive RAB tariff adopted in 2021, investments in Ukraine’s power grids have increased significantly. The energy infrastructure that has been waiting for renovations for 30 years will now be upgraded. In 2021-2022, DTEK Donetsk Grids plans to commission the upgraded 110 kV Dimitrovo substation. The total cost of the project will be UAH 26.6 million. Thanks to the reconstruction, 12,000 of our customers will receive a more reliable power supply. Among them are residents of Myrnograd and Novogrodovka, 6 schools, 7 kindergartens, healthcare centers, boiler stations, and industrial enterprises,” says Oleksii Degtyarev, Director General of DTEK Donetsk Grids.

Now, a SF6 circuit breaker, five disconnectors, three measuring current transformers, three measuring voltage transformers, six overvoltage arresters have already been installed at the site of the 110 kV outdoor switchgear. The substation premises are being renovated. It is planned to energize the equipment in October 2021.

In 2022, during the second stage of reconstruction, it is planned to re-equip a closed 35 kV switchgear: replacement of disconnectors, instrument transformers, oil switches with vacuum ones, electromechanical relays with microprocessor ones, and the introduction of a modern automation system.

“Donetsk region is developing and requires new electric power. Old networks cannot withstand the increase in load. Clearly, it is impossible to change the situation for the better without major infrastructure projects. Reconstruction of the substation is part of the Big Network Renovation project, which is currently implemented by DTEK Donetsk Grids. I am sure that residents of Myrnograd and Novogrodovka will receive more reliable power supply. In addition, there will be a capacity reserve for the further development of the region,” says Denis Klyushnikov, Deputy Chairman of the Donetsk Regional State Administration.

In addition, by the end of the year, the company will reconstruct two more large assets, such as the 110 kV Kotlyarevskaya high-voltage line and the Krasnoarmeyskaya 110 kV substation. As a result, more than 40,000 residents of Pokrovsk, Avdeevka, Selidovo and neighboring districts, as well as large industrial enterprises of the region, will receive more reliable power supply. In total, this year the company is investing more than UAH 332 million in the development of networks. This is 72% more than in 2020.