The refurbishment project of the Sänkiaho 110/20 kV substation completed in Alajärvi – NEPower as the main contractor
Sänkiaho is a large substation located in Alajärvi, where NEPower acted as the main contractor in the refurbishment project for EPV Alueverkko Oy. The project included four 110kV distribution feeders, one 110kV/20kV transformer field for Alajärven Sähkö, and two spares for future feeders.
“Sänkiaho is economically and technically significant for NEPower and, at the same time, our largest completed distribution substation delivery to date,” says Riku Kohtamäki, project manager for the Sänkiaho project at NEPower.
Complete delivery from the design of the new substation to the dismantling of the old one
In this refurbishment project of Sänkiaho, a new substation was built adjacent to the existing one in Alajärvi. NEPower handled the entire process from the design, procurement, delivery, installation, and commissioning of the new substation. Upon completion of the substation, NEPower carried out modifications to the power lines and was responsible for the dismantling of the old substation.
Critical to the project was the precise execution of different phases in the correct order, as the old substation remained in operation throughout the construction of the new one. The approaching winter also added pressure: the transition to the new substation had to be completed before the onset of winter to ensure uninterrupted power distribution for all customers of Alajärven Sähkö at the beginning of the heating season.
“This project highlighted NEPower’s flexible approach to installation and project operations. Our motivated technicians received special shout out for their flexible work, especially between commissioning and the associated power outage. The success of this project is the result of strong collaboration, in which the client also played an important role,” acknowledges Kohtamäki.
