SE to Modernise Slovakia's Largest Pumped-storage HPP Cierny Vah

Kralova Lehota, 1 November (TASR) - Power utility Slovenske elektrarne (SE) is to modernise Cierny Vah, the largest pumped-storage hydro-electric power plant in Slovakia. The implementation phase of the SE Integrator project was launched this week on the upper reservoir of the Cierny Vah Pumped-Storage Hydro-electric Power Station by representatives of SE, GE Power and Voith Hydro following the signing of three technology contracts, which account for approximately 80 percent of the project's total value of €125 million. The project should result in a hybrid power source capable of providing faster and more precise support for the electricity grid. "The energy sector is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Technologies capable of responding flexibly to changing conditions in the grid are becoming increasingly important. SE Integrator is an investment in the future of Slovakia's energy sector. With today's signing, we're turning an ambitious vision into reality. The project will strengthen grid stability, increase the potential for integrating renewable energy sources and, at the same time, build on the strengths of the existing infrastructure," said SE chairman of the Board of Directors and chief executive officer Branislav Strycek. The project involves refurbishing two turbines and adding a battery storage system with a power output of up to 120 megawatts and a capacity of 480 megawatt-hours. In addition, it includes the supply of new motor-generators and frequency converters, which will make it possible to operate at variable speeds. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2031. SE has secured funding from the European Union's Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Energy programme. The European Commission will contribute towards modernising the pumped-storage power plant to the tune of €62.6 million, which is 34.3 percent of the justified costs of this part of the project. am/df/ko