Tauron modernises critical power station for Kraków energy security
Polish TSO Tauron is rebuilding power station GPZ Prądnik in Kraków, aiming to improve energy supply security and connection processes through the station, which is considered a central part of the TSO’s network in the city.
The modernisation investment for the substation is worth PLN38 million ($8 million) and will improve energy connection in the northern part of Krakow.
“The 110/15kV Prądnik substation is an important point in Tauron’s network in Krakow. The station is an important node of the 110kV network, where any disturbances could affect the operation of the entire power system within the city”, explained Ewa Groń, Tauron Dystrybucja press spokeswoman.
“At the stage of the decision to rebuild the station, it was proposed to change the technology for the construction of the facility, which allows freeing an attractive area in the city centre. Construction of administrative facilities for the high voltage region of Kraków and the Krowodrza Region is planned here”, she added.
Reconstruction of GPZ Prądnik
The 110/15kV substation Prądnik was built in 1946 and to date has operated traditionally, with an overhead two-system high voltage switchgear connected to the 110kV grid through eight lines towards stations Łobzów, Pasternik, Balicka, Zabierzów, Górka, Wieczysta and Łęg.
These stations have worked complementarily and supplied the entire northern part of the city and the vicinity of Krakow.
The overhead station is located in a compact urban area. According to the utility, its technical parameters and technology needed to be changed as the equipment was worn out, especially the 110kV circuit breakers, disconnectors and their pneumatic drives.
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Potential failures, due to the importance of the facility for the supply of the Kraków agglomeration, could be of a systemic nature and could have dangerous effects on the operation of the distribution network within the Kraków Metropolitan Area.
An assessment of the switchgear’s technical condition indicated the need for comprehensive modernisation. In its place, a small, modern indoor station is being built, which fits into the surrounding residential landscape of the city.
Station modernisation
The modernisation works include construction of the main building, installation of indoor 110kV and 15kV switchgears as well as devices, including auxiliary devices, secondary circuits, telecommunications, technical safety system, fire alarm system and measurement systems.
Power transformers with earthing, overvoltage and lightning protection systems have been installed in the indoor stations.
The 110kV and 15kV cable lines have been reconstructed and all construction and assembly works have, according to Tauron, been carried out without the possibility of switching off the old facility.
The modernisation works are expected to finish by the end of 2022.
Commenting on the importance of the modernisation works, Groń explained: “We want to carry out the construction of this energy station, which is very important for Krakow, in parallel to the road works carried out nearby. It will be less burdensome for the residents.
“However, the most important are the final benefits for residents, regarding the improvement of security and reliability of energy supplies and development opportunities for supplying new customers in the northern part of the city”.
