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switchyard, a double-circuit 400kV transmission line stretching 120km, and necessary infrastructure including access roads. “Tractebel is honoured to provide our services
to Elevate Energy and Apollo Energy and contribute to these two important hydroelectric projects,” said Sumit Bajracharya, Business Development and Project Execution Manager. “They demonstrate our commitment to delivering sustainable energy solutions that benefit both the environment and the country’s economic growth. We are excited to be part of these important initiatives and look forward to applying our expertise towards the success of these projects.”
Scotland Ground investigation commences for Earba pumped storage project Ground investigation works have commenced at the site of the proposed 900MW Earba pumped storage project in Scotland, marking an important step forward in the development process, Gilkes Energy has confirmed. The project, which is still in its early stages
prior to the submission of the planning application, aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of the ground conditions across the site through a series of boreholes, trial pits, peat probing, and geophysical assessments. These initial exploratory works play a crucial
role in providing valuable insights into the soil and rock profiles, allowing for the creation of a detailed 3D model of the underground conditions. The data gathered will also help facilitate a more comprehensive description of the construction methodology. Plans for the Earba pumped storage project
were announced earlier this year. If it goes ahead, the project will store up to 33,000 MWh of energy, making it the largest such scheme in the UK in terms of energy stored. The proposal is to use Loch a’ Bhealaich Leamhain as the upper reservoir and Lochan na h-Earba as the lower reservoir. A tunnel approximately 3km long will connect the two water bodies. A powerhouse will be constructed on the
shore of Loch Earba which will extend deep underground.
Norway GE Vernova’s hydropower business to upgrade Rotorpoles at Aurland plant GE Vernova’s hydropower business has been chosen by Hafslund Eco to provide new Rotorpoles for the 3x 280MW / 300 MVA water-cooled generators used by the Aurland 1 hydropower plant in Norway. Scheduled to take place between the summer of 2025 and 2027, the service activities will be carried out in GE Vernova’s Norway Services Workshop located in Lier. By combining the generator service with the forthcoming refurbishment program of the hydropower plant, Hafslund Eco aims to
optimize downtime and streamline the overall operational efficiency of the facility. “We are happy to be working with GE on this
project,” said Tormod Kleppa (Director of Projects), Hafslund ECO. “The Servicing of our Aurland 1 is an important project for us and we are glad to count on GE to deliver the new Rotorpoles while the refurbishment program is undergoing.” The Aurland 1 hydropower plant, constructed between 1969 and 1989, represents Hafslund Eco’s largest power plant and ranks as the third-largest hydropower facility in Norway with 840MW capacity. Norway heavily relies on hydropower, which accounts for over 90% of its total power generation. The country’s unique geography, characterized by high mountain plateaus, abundant natural lakes, steep valleys, and fjords, offers immense potential for hydropower development. Hydropower has been a cornerstone of Norway’s industrialization since the late 19th century and continues to serve as the backbone of its power system. Pascal Radue, Hydro Power President & CEO
of GE Vernova, expressed his enthusiasm for the project and the broader role of hydropower in Norway’s energy transition, stating: “Norway has been an inspiring example of how hydropower can contribute to the energy transition by delivering a large amount of renewable energy in the very long term. Today, the average age of the fleet is about 50 years, opening up for refurbishment needs, that will help extend the lifetime but also increase even more the efficiency of hydropower plants, without any need to re-build a dam. We are thrilled to partner with Hafslund ECO on this service project.”
US
Kleinschmidt engaged to evaluate shortnose sturgeon passage at Holyoke Dam Kleinschmidt Associates, an engineering, regulatory, and environmental consulting firm, has been selected by Holyoke Gas and Electric (HG&E) to conduct an extensive study on the movement and upstream passage of the Shortnose Sturgeon at the Holyoke Dam in Massachusetts, US. The study aims to assess the efficiency of the fish passage infrastructure at the dam in facilitating the safe and timely migration of adult Shortnose Sturgeon. Kleinschmidt’s team plans to employ an acoustic telemetry monitoring system to track approximately 70 sturgeons as they approach the dam and navigate through a fish lift to move upstream. Working closely with HG&E, Kleinschmidt will focus on determining the most effective deployment strategy for the acoustic telemetry system, prioritizing equipment security and worker safety. The collected telemetry data will undergo meticulous analysis, and a comprehensive report detailing the individual movement records of the fish will be produced at the conclusion of the monitoring phase.
Bryan Apell, Project Manager and senior fisheries ecologist at Kleinschmidt, emphasized the critical role of habitat connectivity for the Connecticut River ecosystem, particularly for diadromous and potamodromous fish species that rely on it for their life cycles. “The Holyoke dam is the first mainstem dam on New England’s largest river, supporting a host of migratory fish runs. HG&E has been at the heart of the effort to improve habitat connectivity through safe and timely fish passage and protection at their hydroelectric facility,” he said. Richard Murray, Dam Safety and Compliance Engineer at Holyoke Gas and Electric, added: “This has been an ongoing multi-year project that Kleinschmidt has assisted the Department with since 2017. Kleinschmidt has been a great partner with this project over the last several years. Their expertise and collaborative style help to bring such an intricate multi-year effort to fruition.” The study is expected to conclude in 2024.
Australia Works underway to improve reliability of Coolmunda Dam Coolmunda Dam, located near Inglewood in Australia, is undergoing various initiatives to bolster its reliability and improve the catchment’s flood warning network. Dam operator, Sunwater, has engaged Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure to carry out maintenance work and address erosion issues to ensure the efficient and safe operation of the dam.
One significant aspect of the project involves upgrading the dam’s gates by reinforcing the counterweights. To accomplish this, a custom lifting frame has been designed and constructed, enabling the extraction of four 15-tonne weights from their vertical gate chambers. This innovative approach is necessary as a traditional crane cannot perform the required lifts. The counterweights have been in service since the dam’s construction in 1968. The project is expected to generate approximately 20 jobs, with four positions specifically reserved for Goondiwindi residents. Glenn Butcher, Queensland’s Minister for
Water, emphasized the critical nature of these maintenance works, stating, “These works will guarantee this important piece of infrastructure continues to support agriculture and industry in the region for many years to come.” He further highlighted the positive economic impact that local engagement in the project would bring to the community. Concurrently, McCoskers Contracting will be undertaking repairs in areas downstream of the dam that have been affected by bank erosion during flood events. The repairs will involve the use of rock and concrete to fortify the banks, ensuring their resilience in future flood events. According to Sunwater CEO Glenn Stockton, these gate and erosion works will enhance Coolmunda Dam’s operational reliability during weather events. He expressed confidence that the maintenance efforts, along with the
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