Providing a reliable power supply of Olympic objects in Sochi

The MAIN JOURNAL for POWER GRID SPECIALISTS in RUSSIA

8

DIGEST, october, 2013

Russian Grids

— Andrey Vladimirovich, what were the power 

grid and integrated power grid of the Sochi region, in 
particular, topology, technical condition, transmission 
capacity, limitations and prospects of development 
not taking into account preparation for the Olympic 
Games?

— Sochi power district is part of Krasnodar region 

power grid and Uni

fi

 ed Energy System of the South 

(the UES of south). Even six years ago prior to the 
commencement of work on the project the power grid did 
not meet the requirements for Olympic venues.

Sochi power consisted of just three 220 kV 

substations — Psou, Dagomys and Shepsi and of 
only three own generation sources — Sochi thermal 
power plant, Tuapse Re

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 nery thermal power plant and 

Krasnopolyanskya hydroelectric power plant. The bulk 
of electricity was supplied to Sochi and Tuapse from 
outside.

At that time the area was supplied over high-voltage 

overhead transmission lines which were routed to the 
Black Sea coast through the mountain passes. 110 and 
220 kV lines were originally designed for 200—250 MW 
transmission capacity. Moreover the lines passed through 
very hard-to-reach places in the mountains through high 
risk areas associated with landslide hazards and seismic 
activity. They were poorly protected from impacts of 
disaster.

Sochi residents recall terrible energy catastrophe 

of 1997, when due to heavy snowfall in the mountains 
the town was completely left without electricity for two 
weeks and was freezing. Same outages due to the wire 
break in the mountains also occurred in 2003 and 2007 

respectively, when the entire coastline from Tuapse and 
Adler remained without electricity for many days in a row.

The situation began to change dramatically in 

the summer of 2007 when Sochi was announced the 
2014 Winter Olympics capital. Then it was decided to 
revamp the entire energy system considering accelerated 
development and, as a result, constant demand growth. 
Without this the situation with electricity in Sochi and 
Tuapse would be just critical.

— What are the basic requirements to the grid of 

the area have been brought after the decision to hold 
the Olympics? How did they change over time?

— Before starting the Olympic projects maximum 

power supply to consumers in the region amounted to 
543 MW. Honestly, taking into account the planned load 
during the Olympics and Paralympics as well as Sochi 
district sharp electricity demand growth, this was not 
enough. To provide all Olympic venues with the required 
amount of electricity and improve the reliability of power 
supply of Sochi it was required to build and modernize the 
existing generation capacities, substations, 220 and 110 
kV backbone and 6—10 kV power distribution networks. 
Now the implementation of the integrated program for 
repair and modernization of power generation equipment 
is in its 

fi

 nal stage.

It is worth to note that the scheme of 220 kV power 

supply network and above stipulated, primarily, the 
development of local sources of generation. Speci

fi

 cally 

for the needs of Olympic capital the power of the Sochi 
Thermal power station was increased twice, up to 
160 MW, in close proximity to the Olympic Park 360 MW 

Providing a reliable power 

supply of Olympic objects 

in Sochi

Preparations for the Winter Olympic Games to be held from 7 to 
February 23, 2014 in Sochi, lasted for over 6 years. During this 
time, a large amount of work has been done, not only for sports 
facilities but also to ensure reliable and uninterrupted power 
supply. On the outcome of the largest project in the modern history 
of the Russian power industry tells Deputy Minister of Energy of 
Russia Andrei CHEREZOV (

Андрей

ЧЕРЕЗОВ

).

9

[email protected],   www.eepr.ru

capacity Adler Thermal power station was built. 
Now the construction of Dzhubginskaya Thermal 
power station, which will also be able to transmit 
180 MW of power to the Olympics, is getting to its 

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 nal stage. From 2009 year the total transformer 

power of Sochi substations went up from 1632.78 
to 3511.05 MVA, i.e. it was more than doubled. 
Thus we managed to surpass design parameters of 
consumption for the period of the Olympic Games 
at the expense of own generation. However, as 
Sochi power district remains a part of the power 
grid of Krasnodar krai and UES of South, in case 
of emergency we are able to draw extra power 
through 110—220 kV lines with approximately 
660 MW overall transmission capacity. When this 
version of electricity supply was analyzed it was 
concluded that it was also necessary to strengthen 
its relationship with the Kuban energy system 
and to upgrade the existing lines. In early August 
JSC Rosseti

1

 reported about completeness of one 

of such projects — two 220 kV overhead lines 
Dzhubginskaya TPP — SS Shepsi and Dzhubginskaya 
TPP — Goryachi Kliuch. It's not only the issue of a new 
power plant generation but mainly an alternative way of 
transmission lines through the Caucasus Mountains. All 
other lines are actually passing in a bundle that under very 
negative developments is fraught with failure of all lines 
at the same time. Now there is an additional independent 
transit of electricity. In addition to this, the Federal grid 
company of JSC Rosseti group of companies introduced 
the most advanced devices capable to protect existing 
overhead lines from icing and also conducted a large-
scale work for strengthening lighting-surge proofness and 
tower foundations.

— Are there any alternative technical solutions to 

ensure reliable and uninterrupted power supply of the 
Olympics (alternative sources)?

— Part of the load is expected to be covered through 

the deployment of mobile sources of generation, mobile 
GTPP intended for backup in the event of an accident at 
the substations. All three venues in Sochi will host nine 
mobile gas turbine power stations (mobile GTPP) with a 
total capacity of 202.5 MW.

Mobile gas turbine power plant is placed on trailers 

that allow you to move the equipment to the prepared site 
and to respond quickly to shortages of electricity. The 
site is prepared as an energy object with technological 
equipment and scheme of power distribution. The mobile 

gas turbine plants are featured with low space requirements 
and low service personnel, as well as low noise and high 
environmental performance.

In addition, all Olympic sporting sites have alternative 

sources. These diesel generator sets are intended to avoid 
disruption of electricity supply during the competition. 
There are also UPS devices which, if necessary, will be 
turned on during the venue switching from the supergrid 
system to diesel generator sets.

— What are the necessary amounts of energy 

construction and reconstruction (in physical and 
monetary terms)?

— To ensure a reliable supply of the Olympic 

Games in Sochi JSC Rosseti builds and reconstructs 
52 power objects including  erection and repair of 220 and 
110 kV transformer substations and load dispatch centers, 
overhead and cable lines of different voltage classes from 
6 up to 220 kV.

To date more than 60 billion rubles (about 2 billion 

dollars) were invested for the development of the regional 
energy system. These are huge funds but they have been 
invested in providing a reliable power supply for a few 
dozen years ahead due to the use of the most advanced 
technologies and the use of innovative equipment.

— What are the main mechanisms for 

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 nancing the 

construction of electric power used in the realization of 
this integrated project?

— Construction and reconstruction of Olympic power 

sites is carried out at the expense of the State budget 
according to construction of Olympic facilities and 
development of Sochi as Alpine climatic resort Program, 
and at own expense of Rosseti Group of companies 
within the framework of the investment program for the 
development of networks for the XXII Olympic Winter 
Games and XI Paralympic Winter Games 2014.

220 kV GIS substation Dagomys.

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  At present, further integration of electrical grid facilities 

is going on — in 2012 JSC Rosseti was established.  The 
company has been arranged by renaming JSC IDGC 
Holding to JSC Rosseti and contribution of JSC FGC UES 
shares being in federal ownership (79.55% of shares) into its 
authorized capital. The Russian Federation state continues 
to participate in JSC FGC UES authorized capital with at 
least one share.

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DIGEST, october, 2013

Russian Grids

— What is the uniqueness of these objects? What 

are the latest technical solutions and technologies used 
in their design and construction?

— JSC FGC UES and Kubanenergo of Rosseti group 

of companies widely apply innovative technical solutions 
in the construction of Olympic projects. Cables with 
XLPE insulation used during the construction of 110 kV 
cable lines and at modernization of 6—10 kV distribution 
networks are more environmentally friendly, safe and 
reliable in operation, reduce losses during transmission of 
electricity due to high moisture resistance. The overhead 
lines use the modern AERO-Z wires characterized by 
a tighter twisting of conductors and smoother surface 
than conventional wires. This reduces losses during 
transmission of electricity, increases transmission 
capacitance of overhead lines with the same cross-section 
wire. In addition, the galloping of conductors, sticking of 
snow and ice deposit is reduced.

Application of the gas-insulated switchgear, GIS, 

signi

fi

 cantly reduces the area substations, does their work 

noiseless. GIS provide certain advantages over traditional 
open-type-bus-and-switch arrangement. They are 10 times 
smaller, reliable and safe in operation, exclude the impact 
on the environment, do not require expensive foundations 
and hoisting mechanisms, and signi

fi

 cantly reduce labor 

costs for installation. In addition one multifunctional 
housing comprises busbars, disconnectors, and current 
transformers. Service life of the equipment exceeds 
50 years. 

During the construction of transmission lines 

multifaceted towers are used. Compared with the 
traditional lattice tower a multifaceted tower is a versatile 
one-piece steel construction, is an order of magnitude 
smaller space which is especially important in low areas 
of Olympic construction. The advantages of the new 
type of towers include improved corrosion resistance, 
resistance to signi

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 cant wind loads. In addition, a modern 

multi-faceted tower design with the ready-made sections 

allows 10 times reduction of labor costs for installation. 
The service life of a multifaceted tower is 50 years - twice 
as long as a concrete tower. To deal with icing the power 
lines are equipped with a unique control system of ice 
loads, which creates conditions for stable operation in the 
normal mode and reliable energy supply.

Speaking of the sub-stations, it is important to note that 

a unique method was implemented in lines approach to 
Vereshchagin substation. It is made by micro tunneling. 
Because the substation is surrounded by a densely built-up 
area, the experts decided not to invade another's territory 
and built a 850-meter tunnel. This method is more ef

fi

 cient 

because it permits to avoid digging during repair of the 
line.  

Moreover the location of the mountain cluster 

substations — 220 kV Poselkovaya, 110 kV Rosa Khutor, 
110 kV Laura and 110 kV Sportivnaya in the area of the 
Olympic Games set an interesting challenge to power 
engineers — to build not only a reliable energy facilities 
but organically 

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 t them into the architecture of the capital 

city of the 2014 Winter Olympics using modern design 
solutions.

Each substation has turned out a unique facility. In 

particular, Sportivnaya is made in the style of an Alpine 
chalet, Laura — in Technostyle, Poselkovaya and Rosa 
Khutor perforated panels are decorated with unique 
author's drawings. During the day, the substations facades 
are lace, in the dark — they are provided with decorative 
light-dynamic lighting. All Olympic substations rightfully 
occupy a place among the most high-tech power grid 
facilities in Russia. They are equipped with an advanced 
microprocessor-based relay protection and automation, 
remote control and communication equipment. All of the 
seismic resistance requirements are met in developing 
the project, all under construction and reconstructed 
substations and overhead power lines can withstand 
earthquake tremors up to 9 on the Richter scale.

— Andrei Vladimirovich, 

were foreign designers, manu-
facturers and suppliers of equip-
ment, materials, technology, 
construction companies engaged in 
the performance of works?

— World-class con-

struction requires the use of 
advanced power equipment suppliers. 
Rosseti group companies actively coop-
erate with the Korean company Hyundai 
Heavy Industries, the French AREVA 
T & D, and others. Foreign project-
ing and construction companies 
were not involved. But in order that 
our power lines meet the most mod-
ern technological requirements a 
lot of foreign equipment was used. 
Deliveries were made by ABB (Italy), 
Schneider Electric (France), Siemens 

220 kV substation Poselkovaya.

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[email protected],   www.eepr.ru

(Germany); the equipment was also supplied from Israel 
and the United States.

But the focus of Rosseti is still on domestic producers 

which provide a high level of warranty and after-
sales service, have an emergency stock of equipment, 
provide staff training on the use of the equipment. A 
rapid information exchange to prevent the occurrence 
and elimination of emergency situations on objects of 
the electricity network complex, related to the failure 
of the delivered equipment is provided. Cooperation 
with Russian manufacturers contributes greatly to the 
development of the country science base.

— Construction of Olympic venues and 

infrastructure is carried out on the territory of the 
most valuable wildlife having status of specially 
protected area. This is the Caucasian reserve included 
in the list of world natural and cultural heritage as well 
as the Sochi National Park and reserve, the territory 
of Europe's largest array of pristine mountain forest 
ecosystems with unique biodiversity the preservation 
of which is of world importance. In what way 
were environmental requirements met during the 
construction of the electric power infrastructure?

— All energy projects received environmental review. 

Special Commission gave the conclusion about the 
possibility of implementing them without damaging the 
environment. Moreover, public hearings were held for 
each project. There were no problems with the defenders 
of nature because the design and construction of Olympic 
projects involved innovative technical solutions that 
meet modern environmental standards. For example, 
Laura and Rosa Khutor — are closed-type substations. 
All equipment is placed in a closed room, eliminating its 
impact on the unique nature and noise protection walls 
for power transformers provide the most effective sound 
insulation when substations are in operation. 10—110 kV 
transmission lines in Krasnaya Polyana mountain cluster 

are cable lines with XLPE insulation. 
At present cable lines have the highest 
environmental performance among the 
electricity transmission systems.

XLPE insulated cables have 

minimum electromagnetic 

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 eld. Their 

production technology is cleaner from 
an environmental point of view than 
the process of manufacturing cables 
with lead, aluminum or brass sheath. 
Moreover, cable lines need 10 times 
less protective zone which permits 
to preserve the unique nature of the 
region. Additionally, I would like 
to note that all major participants in 
the Olympic construction signed a 
Declaration on the commitments to 
restore the ecosystem of the basin of 
Mzymta river.

— Was long-term power system operation after the 

Olympic Games considered? To what extent power 
objects will be in demand after 2014? 

— Sochi must have reliable electricity system, 

including in the post-Olympic period. Basing on the 
trend towards the increased electric energy demand of 
the Sochi district it is obvious that an updated electrical 
system will be useful in the future. Furthermore, in any 
case, the reconstruction of 6—10 kV city distribution 
network will be continued. It is expected that after the 
2014 Winter Olympic Games massive in

fl

 ux of tourists 

to Sochi will start. On results of realization of the State 
program the city is to become a mountain climatic resort. 
Moreover, today it becomes the center of big politics. 
Sochi will host a meeting of politicians from eight leading 
Nations of the world, "G-8". Following this there will be a 
Formula-1 auto racing competitions and a variety of other 
important economic, political and social events. So if the 
region is in high demand, its energy system will also be in 
demand.

— After seven years from the preparation for the 

Winter Olympic Games, how do you assess optimality 
of the infrastructure built? What tasks to ensure the 
required level of reliability of power supply could be 
done under more optimal cost resources?

— I think that the power companies managed to solve 

all the tasks entrusted to them. Now all the power system 
of the Sochi district has been updated, it is completely 
ready for the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Implemented scheme of the Olympic sports facilities 

and infrastructure power supply not only meets the 
requirements of the IEC, but exceeds them. All Olympic 
venues are fed in accordance with the n-2 reliability 
criterion meaning three independent power sources, 
although the standard speci

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 es only two. It is not just the 

city will heir all this, but it will give a powerful impetus 
to the socio-economic development in the distant future.

110 kV substation Laura.