17 May 2016

Tavrida Tech At Heart Of Estonia’s Largest Mine

Tavrida Electric has installed MILE air-insulated switchgear in a substation 300 metres underground at Estonia’s mine. This largest mine in the country is 44 years old and has produced more than 178 millions tones of oil shale.

The project was undertaken for oil shale mining company Eesti Energia Kaevandused AS that challenged Tavrida Electric with installing technology to allow drainage pumps at the mine to be operated from afar. The pumps control the level of melt-water, ensuring the safe and continuous operation of the mine.

The project is of nationwide importance: oil shale powered energy stations produce 90% of all electricity in Estonia, so the uninterrupted operation of the substation is vital.

Tavrida Electric successfully installed a SCADA system to enable the drainage pumps to be operated remotely. The entire project was completed within 12 weeks. This included shipping time, start-up assistance and a training programme for Eesti Energia Kaevandused AS employees developed and delivered by Tavrida Electric engineers.

The new technology was introduced safely and efficiently and Eesti Energia Kaevandused AS was satisfied with the result.