Refurbishment |
Cascade and system-wide upgrades In Southeast Europe, large-scale refurbishment
programmes are being implemented at the system level. In Serbia, Energotehnika Južna Bačka, working with Elektroprivreda Srbije and ANDRITZ, is modernising the Vlasinske hydropower cascade. Supported by financing from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the project includes the installation of new turbines and associated equipment across multiple plants. By executing the works in phases, operators can maintain electricity production while implementing significant upgrades, ensuring a smooth transition to improved performance. These cascade-wide programmes also allow for standardisation of equipment and processes, improving long-term maintenance efficiency.
Above: Outside view of Vrla 1 power plant of the Vlasinske cascade © Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS)
restored the plant following extensive repairs to a corroded surge tank. The project highlights the challenges of maintaining ageing infrastructure in remote regions, where outages can have significant impacts on local communities. By investing in refurbishment, operators can ensure continued access to reliable and affordable electricity while reducing dependence on more expensive and carbon-intensive alternatives such as diesel generation.
Asia-Pacific rehabilitation programmes In New Zealand, Mercury is implementing a long-term
Below: Inside the underground Dinorwig machine hall. Image courtesy of Tractebel
refurbishment programme across its Waikato River hydro system. The upgrade of the Maraetai II Hydro Station, delivered with support from ANDRITZ, involves refurbishing turbines, generators and intake gates across multiple units. The project is designed to extend the plant’s operational life by 20 years while improving reliability and efficiency. By carrying out the works in stages, Mercury can maintain generation throughout the refurbishment process, ensuring that the plant continues to contribute to New Zealand’s renewable energy supply. The programme also reflects a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship, with efforts to ensure that operations remain aligned with the natural characteristics of the river system.
UK pumped storage renewal In the UK, the refurbishment of the Dinorwig pumped
storage power plant represents a major investment in grid stability. Operated by First Hydro Company and owned by ENGIE and Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, the facility is undergoing a multi-stage upgrade supported by Tractebel. The refurbishment will replace key electrical and mechanical components, improving efficiency and extending the plant’s operational life. Given Dinorwig’s role in balancing the UK grid, the project is critical to ensuring the continued reliability of the country’s energy system. Pumped storage assets such as Dinorwig are becoming increasingly valuable as more intermittent renewable energy sources are integrated into the grid.
Bridging performance and
sustainability Across all regions, refurbishment projects are increasingly focused on delivering both performance improvements and environmental benefits. From advanced turbine technologies and digital control systems to ecological restoration measures, these initiatives reflect a broader transformation within the hydropower sector. Operators are no longer simply maintaining assets, they are actively enhancing them to meet future requirements. Collaboration between utilities, engineering firms, financial institutions and public authorities is central to this transformation. By combining expertise and resources, stakeholders can deliver complex projects that address technical, environmental and economic challenges simultaneously. This collaborative model is likely to become even more important as refurbishment programmes grow in scale and complexity. As the global energy transition accelerates,
hydropower refurbishment will play an increasingly important role in maintaining and enhancing renewable generation capacity. Ageing infrastructure, evolving environmental standards and the need for flexible, reliable power all point to continued investment in modernisation. The projects highlighted here demonstrate that refurbishment is not simply about maintaining existing assets, it is about reimagining them for the future. By embracing innovation, digitalisation and sustainability, the hydropower sector is ensuring that its legacy infrastructure remains a vital component of low-carbon energy systems worldwide.
28 | May 2026 |
www.waterpowermagazine.com
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