Alexander Subbotin and Viktor Karankevich visited the training center of RUP Vitebskenergo
Virtual training ground, "smart" lighting, digitalization and software, cybersecurity system… The Vitebskenergo Training Center is one of the most modern specialized institutions for training specialists for the energy system in areas such as information technology, automation and communication, project activities, metrology and diagnostics, and building engineering systems.
The center is not only educational but also an engineering one, therefore, the services conduct technical policy in the field of information technologies. Considering that classical learning contributes to material assimilation by 40–50%, combined with practice – by 75%, and with the help of technical virtuality – by 90%. Therefore, creativity, advanced ideas and technologies are all used for state-of-the-art developments and their implementation in life for both educational and production processes.
The training ground uses advanced technologies and IT solutions, including VR simulators, which allow students to improve their theoretical knowledge retention in conditions close to real ones.
Alexander Subbotin admitted that he was pleasantly surprised that advanced technologies are being actively implemented in the center, from the educational process to production, including the control of repair and other processes, and ending with cybersecurity, increasing labor productivity, and distance learning. High technologies have been introduced at all stages to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and make our lives more comfortable, emphasized the chairman of the regional executive committee. Various developments – lamps, smart relays, and others – form a single concept of a smart city. In the near future, several pilot projects will be implemented in cities and some rural settlements. The head of the region noted that if their implementation allows for a significant effect, creates a more comfortable environment and conveniences for residents, then they will be spread throughout the country.
Initially, developments are implemented in their own system (60% of projects are successful), and there is demand for some developments from colleagues from other regions.
The main task of the center is to improve and confirm the qualification level of knowledge of working personnel and middle managers who perform their duties every day, work with energy equipment, and electrical networks. In addition to confirming their knowledge, special attention is paid to labor protection and safety. The work at the center is organized in a comprehensive manner. In addition to specialists who work directly on power transmission lines, they interact with dispatch services that remotely monitor the entire process. Elements of automation and digitalization are evident here, allowing for remote detection of certain issues related to safety violations. And if such a violation occurs, for example, a specialist is without a helmet, the system reacts to it, and the dispatcher can promptly make the appropriate decision.
The Minister of Energy emphasized that technologies are being developed at the Vitebsk training center, primarily related to improving the quality of electricity supply services. This includes the creation of smart grids, automation of technological processes, such as switching street lighting on and off in rural settlements. This work is planned to be completed throughout the country by the end of 2023. Not only software products, but also specific equipment developments, such as LED lamps, smart grid technologies, and automation of all technological processes, will be implemented in rural areas.