A new, enclosed gas insulated substation was ceremonially opened at the Chotějovice (near Teplice) transformer station on 29 November. ČEPS, the Czech transmission system operator was the project investor with EGEM as the main contractor.

The project was developed with the aim of connecting a new 660MWe generating unit at the Ledvice power station to the 400kV network. The construction of Chotějovice–Výškov V480 power line, involving the upgrade of existing 220kV power line V211 to a double-circuit 400kV line, and the expansion of the Výškov transformer station due to the connection of new line V480. Both the power line and the bay were commissioned in October 2011.

The decision for the construction of the substation was made in 2005; the construction work was carried out during 2009 to 2011.

Enclosed substations are mainly built in areas where a minimum size of the facility is required, i.e. typically in areas with high population density, adverse weather conditions etc. Higher operational reliability, short installation time, long lifetime, a high-level of staff safety and longer mean time between inspections are further advantages of enclosed substations. Two other 400kV enclosed substations are in operation in the Czech Republic – in Prague-Chodov and at Dlouhé Stráně (in the Jeseníky Mountains). Relatively high investment costs are a drawback of this type of substation.

ČEPS:
ČEPS, as a holder of an electricity transmission licence issued by the Energy Regulatory Office in accordance with the Atomic Act, is the sole Czech Transmission System Operator. The Company is responsible for the maintenance and upgrading of 39 substations comprising 68 transformers allowing electricity to be supplied from the transmission system to the distribution grid, as well as of 400kV lines with a total length of 2979km and 220kV lines with a total length of 1371km. ČEPS is a member of relevant European international organisations. The Company is responsible for maintaining the balance of electricity supply and demand within the Czech power system in real time (system services) and for organising cross-border power exchanges including transits. ČEPS has traditionally been involved in the creation of liberalised electricity markets both in the Czech Republic and Europe. Additional information is available on www.ceps.cz.

The Presss Release is here.