SPIE sets up a new 400 kV line in Poland

Published on 18 March 2019

Gdańsk, March 18th, 2019 – The Polish grid operator, Polskie Sieci Elektroenergetyczne S.A. (PSE S.A.) has commissioned SPIE to construct a 400 kV line in the northern regions of Pomorze and Kujawy. The new power line will extend from Grudziądz through Pelplin to Gdańsk Przyjaźń Substation (near Gdańsk), and is scheduled to be completed by mid-2019. The new 400 kV line will ensure the security of electricity supply in the two regions, currently provided by the southern part of the country. For the moment, power is only transported via a 220 kV line.

  • SPIE, the independent European leader in multi-technical services in the areas of energy and communications, is responsible for the installation of a 400 kV line in Poland which runs from Grudziądz via Pelplin to Gdańsk Przyjaźń (near Gdańsk)
  • The installation of the 120-kilometer-long power line will ensure security of supply in the Pomorskie and Kujawsko-Pomorskie areas and should be completed by mid-2019
  • Prior to the installation phase through the ecologically significant area, SPIE conducted a comprehensive environmental impact assessment and public consultation in the municipalities concerned
  • The scheme is being executed by a consortium of distribution systems operators under the leadership of SPIE. Since 2014, the multi-technology service provider has been masterminding all operations. The Group assumes responsibility for legal permissions and planning, such as obtaining all the required construction permits in 15 municipalities. SPIE works in close collaboration with local distribution systems operators to ensure the power supply during the enterprise. Work on the new 400 kV line started at the end of 2017, and 300 electricity pylons will be erected by the third quarter of 2019 on a stretch of around 120 kilometres. In the framework of the consortium, this realisation will be an equal joint endeavour between SPIE and two other companies, ELTEL Networks Energetyka and ELFEKO.

    Environmental challenges

    The new line crosses the areas, which are the nesting grounds of many types of birds. SPIE therefore sought to ensure that the impacts of the enterprise on the areas designated as conservation areas would remain minimal. “In addition to the two-year environmental impact assessment and the compilation of a comprehensive environmental impact report, we have collaborated closely with environmental organisations and regional environmental protection authorities. This helped us to reduce the risk of bird collisions”, explains Monika Szymczuk, Project Director at SPIE. “In addition, we have held numerous discussions with the municipalities concerned and local residents to ensure full transparency about the task.

    Long-term experience pays off

    SPIE and PSE S.A. have been building on a successful working relationship for many years. With the setting up of other 400 kV lines and the overhaul and maintenance work on older 220 kV lines, the multi-technology service provider was able to offer solid evidence of its expertise in other realizations. This is also true for this commission. “Despite difficult conditions, such as frost, heavy rain, high groundwater and reservoir water, the works are on track and on time”, says Szymczuk.

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