Hydraulic machinery |
Powering progress together
Hydropower projects across continents show how technology partnerships are enabling reliable, efficient, and future-proofed clean energy generation
AS THE GLOBAL PUSH for cleaner, more resilient energy systems accelerates, hydropower remains a cornerstone of renewable generation. While its role as a reliable baseload power source is well established, the expectations placed on hydro facilities are evolving rapidly – requiring greater flexibility, smarter control systems, and stronger grid integration. From the rainforests of Brazil to the fjords of Norway and the riverbanks of the Congo, recent projects show how hydropower operators are rising to these challenges. Central to their success is the ability to work with trusted electromechanical suppliers who can deliver not just turbines and generators, but integrated systems that ensure performance, efficiency and longevity. Whether expanding capacity, modernising decades-old infrastructure, or improving energy access in underserved regions, these collaborations highlight the critical importance of fit-for-purpose technology and strategic partnerships in driving hydropower’s next chapter.
Proven partners in Brazil In Brazil, where small hydroelectric plants play a vital
Below: WEG was contracted to work on the Paredinha hydropower project in Brazil
role in expanding the country’s renewable energy footprint, equipment performance and reliability are non-negotiable. For the Paredinha Hydropower Plant, these factors were central to project owner Ibemapar’s decision to partner with WEG for a second time. “With its expertise in the hydropower sector, WEG develops complete solutions for small hydro, combining cutting-edge engineering, advanced technology, and experience in manufacturing electrical and mechanical equipment,” said the company. WEG supplied a full package for the project, including three hydraulic turbines rated at 7,292 kW each, three 7,788 kVA generators, ten transformers totaling approximately 50,000 kVA, electrical panels, a substation, and all associated electrical installation. The comprehensive nature of the delivery underscores WEG’s strategy of offering vertically integrated solutions to ensure plant efficiency and operational longevity. The Paredinha contract followed a previous
collaboration on the Boa Vista II Hydropower Plant, for which WEG supplied two turbines of 8,287 kW and two 8,935 kVA generators, alongside similar supporting systems. According to WEG, the performance of its equipment at Boa Vista II was a decisive factor in Ibemapar’s choice to extend the partnership. “With high-performance equipment, the client has security in the return on investment, ensuring operational stability and predictability in energy generation,” WEG stated. “The reliability of WEG solutions reinforces the company’s commitment to the hydropower sector, offering advanced technology and robust support for long-term operations.”
30 | June 2025 |
www.waterpowermagazine.com
This emphasis on stability and predictable returns is particularly important in Brazil’s small hydro sector, which often faces the dual pressures of variable water flows and the need for high uptime to ensure project viability.
Modernisation meets flexibility in Norway
Further north, Norwegian utility Statkraft is investing in next-generation hydropower through the construction of a new Svean plant near Trondheim. The facility will operate alongside the existing plant, which has been in service since 1939. With modernisation central to its strategy, Statkraft awarded a contract to Aker Solutions to deliver the full scope of electromechanical equipment. The upgraded Svean plant will feature three Francis turbines, each capable of handling 26,000 litres of water per second and generating approximately 12 MW. This represents an increase in maximum power output of about 10% over the current plant, which produces around 120 GWh annually – enough electricity to power 6,000 homes for a year. Jo Kjetil Krabbe, Executive Vice President for Power Solutions at Aker Solutions, described the contract as a strong fit for the company’s evolving strategy. “Aker Solutions is pleased to collaborate with Statkraft on modernising the Svean hydropower system,” he said. “This project aligns with our ambition of delivering more flexible complete electromechanical projects catered to the future needs of the power system.” In addition to the turbines and generators, Aker Solutions will supply intake pipes, control systems, cooling and drainage systems, high-voltage equipment, and transformer refurbishments. Installation is scheduled to begin in February 2026, with project completion expected by the end of 2027. The long lifespan of the original facility highlights both the durability of hydropower infrastructure and the importance of timely reinvestment. Statkraft’s decision to operate the new and old facilities in parallel during the transition period allows for uninterrupted power generation while the new systems are integrated.
Boosting clean energy output in
Western Norway A second major Norwegian hydropower project is taking shape in Bremanger municipality, where Sogn og Fjordane Energi (SFE) has commissioned ANDRITZ to supply the complete electromechanical scope for a new Øksenelvane plant. The new facility will replace the existing power plant, which has operated for more than 70 years.
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