ČEPS conducts black start test in Czechia

On Sunday, 14 May 2023, black start tests at the Orlík power plant and the energization of the auxiliary loads at the Prunéřov 2 power plant were successfully completed. ČEPS verified the provision of an ancillary service that enables electricity supply to be restored after a total or partial system collapse. The hydropower plant restores power to a selected system power plant as part of the black start service.

The first test to verify the ability to provide the black start ancillary service under real-world conditions took place on 14 May 2023 at the Prunéřov 2 power plant operated by ČEZ. A dedicated interconnection route was established between the Orlík and Prunéřov 2 power plants using 220 kV lines (operated by ČEPS) and 110 kV lines (operated by ČEZ Distribuce), bringing electricity generated at Orlík to the auxiliary loads at Prunéřov 2. ČEPS dispatchers then verified the start-up of several drives at the plant, which support processes essential to electricity generation, such as a cooling pump and a limestone mill. The test successfully confirmed that the drives critical to starting up a generating unit at Prunéřov 2 could be started.