220/110 kV Konin substation, Poland

The modernization of the Konin substation was a huge challenge for both the investor and the contractor. The investor of the task, PSE S.A., after the declaration of bankruptcy by the first contractor, divided the execution of works on the Konin substation into three stages:

1. Performing the necessary works enabling the commissioning of the 110 kV switchgear in the Konin substation as part of the task “Modernization of the 220/110 kV Konin substation”
2. Modernization of the 110 kV switchgear in the Konin substation as part of the task “Modernization of the 220/110 kV Konin substation”
3. Modernization of the 220 kV switchgear in the Konin substation as part of the task “Modernization of the 220/110 kV Konin substation” – the tender procedure in 2023

The investor was faced with the need to find a contractor who would complete the work started by the previous company. It was an extremely difficult task due to:

• terrain conditions – the wetland near the lake caused constant stagnation of water in the cable house of the GIS building
• the boundaries of responsibility between individual suppliers – the coordination of these difficult issues fell to the new contractor
• the need to rebuild the existing (from the late 1960s) R110 kV AIS in terms of connection with the GIS 110 kV switchgear

Eltel Networks, as a company dedicated to difficult tasks and requiring the highest technical skills, overcame all adversities encountered. In addition, we took up the challenge and successfully completed the following tasks on the Konin substation during the second stage:

• construction of gates and introduction of 110 kV overhead power lines to R110 kV GIS
• commissioning of the 110 kV power line along with works on the secondary circuits between the Konin substation and the Konin Power Plant
• construction works for technological building and GIS, and the adjacent area
• works related to drainage of the construction area and the rainwater drainage system
• earthing and lightning protection within the modernized part of R110 kV
• partial dismantling of the old R110 kV
• commissioning of the RPW 400/230VAC with the MV power line
• works in the field of telecommunications enabling the launch of the power line in a new location
• necessary design work
• obtaining the necessary formal and legal permits for the implementation of the project

Due to the fact that we took over the execution of works after the bankruptcy of another contractor, we encountered many challenges and difficulties related to the limits of responsibility for the scope of works, as well as some “surprises” that emerged, e.g. when dismantling oversized foundations from R110 kV bays. However, thanks to the proactive approach of the entire #EltelNetworksTeam, we showed the investor that we are not looking for problems, but always strive to implement optimal solutions. Our professionalism, punctuality and quality of work have been and are appreciated at construction acceptances, technical meetings and construction councils. Years of experience and acquired knowledge allow us to build the Eltel Networks brand as a company for special, extremely difficult and non-standard tasks – of which we are particularly proud!

The result of our work is the commissioned and working 26-bay GIS 110 kV switchgear with thirteen 110 kV power lines and the future possibility of introducing further power lines, which will be the subject of a separate tender procedure. The current switchgear also enables the commissioning of two new AT 275 MVA units in the final system, which are part of stage III of the modernization of the Konin substation. Thanks to the commissioning of the 110 kV power lines owned by Energa, the distribution company has achieved more reliable power supply to its switchgears, which improves the energy security of the Wielkopolska region in the area of the city of Konin and neighbouring municipalities.

It should be emphasized that the completed task of modernization of the Konin substation required very effective cooperation with all owners of the facilities introduced to the substation and the neighbouring power plant. Very good communication and cooperation with all stakeholders played a huge role here. Without such an open and dialogue-oriented approach, many issues could wait for a final solution for years.

The valuable lesson from this project is that only thanks to the exceptional commitment of a well-coordinated, “well-oiled” #EltelNetworksTeam, we could achieve our goals and guarantee the full success of the investment as a reliable and proven contractor in “difficult terrain”.