Kola MMC (MMC Norilsk Nickel affiliate) has commenced reconstruction of the main 11V step-down transformer substation (GPP-11V), which is integral to the Monchegorsk site power supply. GPP-11V receives electricity from the Interregional High-Voltage Grid Company Kolenergo North-West branch at a voltage of 150 kilovolt, transforms it to 10 kilovolt and then distributes it across the 70 group of substations. Close to 50% of incoming power at Monchegorsk site flows through GPP-11V. Stable operation of GPP-11V is directly responsible for continuous operation of the nickel EW shop, converter matte separation section at the refining shop, nitrogen-oxygen station, and of air pumping station No 2 of energy supply shop.
GPP-11V was commissioned in 1982 and has since become obsolete while a lot of replacement parts are out of production. The requirements of stable and continuous power supply to electric users necessitated replacement of an outdated RU-10 kilovolt distribution box with a modern distribution kit.

The company currently runs three investment projects relating to main operations: Chlorine solution nickel EW with a capacity of 120,ooo tpa of EW nickel; Cobalt production; Nickel refining saline drainage recycling. Completion of the above project will raise power consumption at the substation by close to 50%. Successful reconstruction of GPP-11V will ensure reliable power supply for those projects with concurrent increase of power capacities.
Cost of the reconstruction comes to over RUB 200 million. It is scheduled for completion in H1 2016.

distributed by