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This power plant is used to regulate the load curve of the power system and to satisfy consumer needs in extreme situations.
The Kruonis PSP has two reservoirs – the upper and the lower pools. When the load of the power systems is lower, the pumped storage plant uses excess electricity produced in other power plants for pumping water from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir, thus accumulating energy. During peak hours, when energy demand increases, the pumped storage plant starts generating electricity – its turbines are rotated by the down-flow from the upper pool.
Prior to launching this power plant, an assessment of its impact on the environment was carried out.
Analytical calculations and modelling were used to assess the water level fluctuation amplitudes, as well as the directions and speeds of water currents in the Kaunas Lagoon occurring during operation of the hydro power plant.
The integrated environmental assessment was continued after completion of the construction of the Kruonis PSP and the start up of its operation. The job was carried out by the Institutes of Ecology, Geography, Energy, the Academy of Agriculture and other Lithuanian universities.
The scientists’ calculations were verified by:
- The study on the impact of the Kruonis PSP operation on the Kaunas Lagoon and the ecosystem of its upper part
- The study of fish resources in the Kaunas Lagoon and the upper pool of the Kruonis PSP.
The Lithuanian scientists came to the conclusion that the Kruonis PSP affects the Kaunas Lagoon only in a 1.5 km band downstream and a 0.8 km band upstream.
Moreover, it was established that in the area impacted by the Kruonis PSP the vegetation is richer, the bed of the Lagoon is clearer, the water is more saturated with oxygen, and hence there are larger quantities of fish.
There were certain concerns that the area around the upper pool might become marshy. Therefore about 100 piezometers were installed for local monitoring. The groundwater levels verified by these devices do not exceed the historical ones; the area is not waterlogged. A drainage system was installed at the upper pool. There are plenty of fish. Licenses are issued for fishing in the upper and lower pools.
At the very beginning of the construction of the Kruonis PSP wastewater treatment facilities were installed and started operating in the territory of the power plant. The environment is not polluted by wastewater.
The Kruonis PSP covers an area of about 660 hectares. The territory of the power plant has been shaped with regard to the existing landscape and planted with trees and other greenery. Restoration of the landscape is being further continued.
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