Refurbishment |
Hydropower renewals
Refurbishment projects are accelerating worldwide as utilities and technology providers modernise ageing hydropower assets to boost efficiency, extend operational life and meet evolving environmental and grid demands
A WAVE OF REFURBISHMENT and modernisation activity is reshaping hydropower infrastructure across the globe, as operators and utilities prioritise asset longevity, operational flexibility and environmental performance. From Europe to Asia-Pacific and the Americas, a diverse portfolio of projects, ranging from turbine overhauls and automation upgrades to ecological enhancements and full-scale redevelopment, demonstrates a shared industry focus: extracting greater value from existing assets while aligning with evolving energy system demands. Across mature hydropower fleets, many facilities
Below: Slapy hydropower plant has returned to full output after extensive refurbishment. Image courtesy of CEZ
now exceed 40, 50 or even 60 years of operation. This ageing profile is particularly evident in Europe and North America, where large-scale hydropower development peaked in the mid-20th century. As a result, refurbishment has become a critical strategy not only for maintaining generation capacity but also for improving efficiency, safety and sustainability. Increasingly, these programmes are being designed to deliver multi-layered outcomes, combining mechanical renewal, digital optimisation and environmental compliance within a single investment cycle. At the same time, operators are under pressure to ensure that hydropower assets remain compatible with modern electricity systems characterised by variable renewable generation. This has elevated the importance of flexibility, responsiveness and reliability, qualities that refurbishment projects are now specifically targeting through advanced control systems, upgraded turbine technologies and improved grid integration capabilities. In many cases, refurbishment is also proving more cost- effective and faster to deliver than new-build projects, particularly where permitting and environmental constraints are significant.
Nordic modernisation momentum Northern Europe continues to lead in structured,
long-term refurbishment strategies, with Finland and Norway providing clear examples of how operators are modernising ageing fleets while integrating environmental improvements. At the Tyrväntö hydropower plant, UPM-Kymmene Oyj, through UPM Energy, is investing more than €20m in a comprehensive upgrade programme that addresses both performance and sustainability objectives. The scope of works includes the complete overhaul of turbine-generator units, installation of new generator stators and refurbishment of rotors, as well as replacement of turbine runner wheels. These upgrades are designed to enhance operational flexibility, enabling the plant to respond more effectively to fluctuations in electricity demand. At the same time, the introduction of water-lubricated turbine runners represents a significant environmental improvement, reducing the risk of oil leakage into surrounding waterways. Digitalisation is another cornerstone of the project.
The integration of advanced automation and control systems will allow for improved monitoring, predictive maintenance and optimisation of plant performance. This reflects a broader trend across the hydropower sector, where digital tools are increasingly being deployed to maximise efficiency and reduce operational risks. In addition, the installation of emergency automation systems to strengthen dam safety highlights how refurbishment programmes are expanding beyond generation equipment to encompass the entire asset ecosystem. Elsewhere in Finland, PVO-Vesivoima Oy, part of the Pohjolan Voima Group, has completed a detailed two-phase refurbishment of the Melo hydropower plant. Delivered in collaboration with Andritz Hydro Oy and Caverion Suomi, the project involved dismantling, workshop refurbishment and reinstallation of key turbine components. The phased execution allowed one unit to remain operational while the other was under refurbishment, minimising generation losses and maintaining grid stability. Lessons learned during the first phase were applied to the second, improving efficiency and execution timelines. Such iterative approaches are becoming increasingly common in refurbishment projects, enabling continuous improvement and knowledge transfer. The project also demonstrated the value of local supply chains and expertise, with domestic contractors playing a central role in delivery. In Norway, refurbishment is evolving into strategic
redevelopment. Norconsult is supporting Tussa Energi AS in the development of the Tussa II project, which will replace an ageing facility with a significantly larger and more efficient plant. By increasing installed capacity from 60MW to 150MW, the project demonstrates
26 | May 2026 |
www.waterpowermagazine.com
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