Technology & equipment | Powering progress Cutting-edge hydropower equipment drives transformation in Nigeria, Tajikistan, India, Indonesia, the UK, Sweden, and the US, enhancing sustainability
Below: In 2019, Voith Hydro installed a 200-ton capacity Vertical Turning Lathe (VTL) at their NA headquarters in York, Pa
ACROSS DIFFERENT CORNERS OF the world, GE Vernova’s recent efforts in Nigeria and Tajikistan underscore the vital role hydropower plays in meeting diverse nations’ energy needs, from improving capacity and sustainability in Nigeria to ensuring resilience and adaptability in Tajikistan The company’s Hydro Power business has recently successfully completed the commissioning of four 175MW Francis hydropower turbines and generators at Nigeria’s Zungeru project in Niger State. This development marks a significant milestone for the Zungeru project, located along the Kaduna River, and establishes it as Nigeria’s second-largest hydropower plant with a total capacity of 700MW. The Zungeru project holds the promise of contributing to approximately 10% of Nigeria’s domestic electricity requirements, providing a substantial boost to the country’s energy needs with a focus on sustainability and reliability. Beyond electricity generation, the project will play a vital role in flood control and support for regional irrigation efforts. The Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) company China National Electrical Equipment Corporation (CNEEC) selected GE Vernova to design, supply, supervise installation, and commission the four hydropower units. Furthermore, the Zungeru project has received essential investment support from the Export-Import Bank (Exim Bank) of China. Brian Selby, Hydro Power Asia Leader at GE
Vernova, noted the project’s significance, stating, “Nigeria is gifted with large rivers and natural falls that create opportunities for hydropower development.
As the Government of Nigeria continues to pursue the expansion of generation capacity and extend the capability of its power grid, we are happy to help take advantage of the country’s water reserves to meet its increasing demand for sustainable, reliable, and efficient power. This project will have a wide-reaching impact on the country’s energy landscape.” The International Hydropower Association (IHA)
estimates Nigeria’s hydropower potential at over 14GW, emphasizing the vital role of hydropower in Nigeria’s energy transition. Over in Tajikistan, the company has successfully completed the upgrade of the first of six Kaplan turbine and generator units at the Qairokkum hydropower plant in the northwestern province of Sughd. The refurbishment project, undertaken in collaboration with Barki Tojik, marks a critical step towards enhancing the plant’s capacity and extending its operational life. Built over 60 years ago, the Qairokkum hydropower
plant has been the sole source of electricity for approximately 500,000 residents in the region, underscoring its vital role in the province’s power supply. The completion of the upgrade on the first unit, initially rated at 21MW, has now boosted its capacity to 29MW. Importantly, this enhancement sets the stage for all six units to undergo similar transformations, ultimately elevating the plant’s total capacity to a formidable 174MW. GE Vernova leads the consortium responsible for
this project, collaborating with Cobra, a division of Spain’s ACS Group. The scope of work encompasses the overhaul of the six turbines and generators, along with the necessary balance of plant upgrades and on-site supervision for the equipment supplied. It is anticipated that the comprehensive modernization of the Qairokkum hydropower plant will conclude by mid-2025. “The work done in Tajikistan on making hydropower
plants climate resilient is essential for our industry’s future and the global energy transition that we all support,” commented Bodo Mayer, Hydro Power EMEA Leader, GE Vernova. “We are extremely honored to contribute to this project and for the completion of the first unit’s rehabilitation. This remarkable boost in capacity sets the stage for even greater clean energy production as we prepare to bring five more units online.” Tajikistan relies heavily on hydropower, with
approximately 90% of its electricity generated from this renewable source. Given the nation’s dependence on hydropower, it becomes increasingly crucial to adapt existing infrastructure and develop new assets to meet future operational demands. The Qairokkum hydropower plant was strategically chosen to pilot this concept, serving as a testament to the ability of modernized facilities to not only generate more energy but also to address variations in water flow patterns within the region.
22 | November 2023 |
www.waterpowermagazine.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45
