The JSC "Leningradsky Metallichesky Zavod" has started modernisation of the steam turbine for the steam power plant "Bitola" in Macedonia. The work is to be completed in the third quarter of 2003.
There are three 210 Mw power-generating units at the SPP, which was built in the period of 1978 – 1988. Only the first unit will be reconstructed. According to the contract signed between the Russian side (Leningradsky Metallichesky Zavod) and Macedonian side (Bitola) in April 2002, the plant will carry out modernisation of the steam turbine which will make it possible to improve reliability and significantly increase its capacity. The approximate cost of the contractual works will be around 3 million US dollars.

The two leading western power machine building companies: "Siemens" and "Alstom" were the plants’ competitors in the tender. Nevertheless the technical approach put forward by the LMZ was found to be the best. The fact that the customer formed a high opinion of the steam turbines, installed at the plant and manufactured by the LMZ, was taken into consideration.

Additional information

Bitola, in which the SPP bearing the same name is situated, is the second largest city in the Republic of Macedonia. The city lies in the most southern part of the country not far from the boarder with Greece. Bitola is the most important and the largest commercial centre not only in Macedonia, but in the Balkan Peninsular. The population of the city is 137.636 people.