The Lesichovo MHPP was constructed as a by-pass overflow from the end of the main Momina Klisura–Lesichovo irrigation channel on the Topolnitza River in Lesichovo, with a vertical displacement of approximately 60 m. The project includes the following main installations: a pressure tank (water chamber), two parallel pressurized pipelines, the MHPP building, mechanically and electrically equipped for the production of electrical energy and two water outflow channels to the Topolnitza River.
The first licence (the Water Usage Licence from the Ministry of the Environment and Water) was received in September 2003. The power plant started its operation in early 2005.

TECHNOLOGY

Two hydro power units have been fitted with the following equipment:
- Francis F 23 type turbines
(operating wheel diameter: 650 mm, revolutions per minute: 750, manufactured by Mavel)
- 1FC4 711-8 type synchronized generators
(nominal capacity 1700 kVA, cos (fi) = 0.9, manufactured by Siemens).

The generators are combined in a single unit with 1600 kVA, 6/20 kV transformers and are connected to the national electricity grid both through general distribution units and 20 kV high frequency lines. Under normal operation and water availability the installations can operate for 25 years.

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ECONOMIC ASPECTS

Out of the total 3 021 000 BGN in tangible fixed assets (approx. EUR 1.5M), around one third consists of the company’s own capital. The remaining amount was financed in the form of a bank loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) through the United Bulgarian Bank (UBB) credit line for energy efficiency and renewable energy sources for Bulgaria, using a 20% grant.
At current preferential feed-in tariffs for hydropower, with 5 900 hours of use at maximum capacity in 2006 and 4 000 hours in 2007, it is expected that the investment will be returned in full by the middle of 2008.
Under normal loading, the efficiency is as follows: turbine: 88.9%, generator: 95.9%, transformer: 98.5%. The block operates with an overall total efficiency of 84%.

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SOCIAL EFFECTS

11 new jobs have been created in the area, benefiting from tax relief and meeting the requirements for permissible State aid for regional development stipulated in Articles 184, 186 and 187 of the Corporate Income Taxation Act. The quality of electrical energy consumed in the area (voltage level) has also improved and simultaneously transmission losses have been reduced.
Due to the necessity for production purposes, the power plant is paying for highway infrastructure improvement in the area of the village. The MHHP also sponsors the street lighting in the village of Lesichovo.

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ENVIROMENTAL EFFECTS

The site is not located in a sensitive ecological zone and no protected sites, territories or areas inhabited by important or sensitive protected flora or fauna species are affected. No objections have been submitted by the public or by the municipal administration.
The project generates savings of 15 000 to 18 000 tonnes of local coal; hence harmful emissions are reduced annually to the extent of 201 tonnes of sulphur dioxide, 15 tonnes of nitrogen oxides and 8-10 tonnes of particulate matter.

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DIFFICULTIES, PROBLEMS

Particular difficulties in the power plant construction arose in connection with the purchase of land belonging to a number of owners.
Operating difficulties: during the heavy rains in August 2005, the power plant was flooded to the roof by the Topolnitza River and large amounts of refuse and rubbish accumulated in the open irrigation channel. Three months were needed to clean the water intake grid.

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FOLLOW UP

Since water resources are restricted, but there is usually an abundance of solar energy during water shortages, Delectra Hydro has strategic plans to develop a photovoltaic energy plant in order to diversify its risks. The Delectra Company at the moment, in its capacity as designer and contractor for the electrical installation, is currently building eleven micro hydro power plants in various parts of Bulgaria.

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FURTHER INFORMATION

Delektra Ltd.

Georgi Dimitrov - director
Tel: +35 92 958 2232
E-mail: delektra@spnet.net

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