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The project aligns with Taiwan’s growing focus on renewable energy, supported by a marine energy purchase rate of TWD 7.32 (USD 0.23) per kilowatt-hour. This deal represents a major step in bringing wave energy to Taiwan and could serve as a model for further adoption of the technology across Asia.
Pakistan WAPDA launches Pakistan’s largest triaxial machine for dam projects WAPDA has successfully made Pakistan’s largest triaxial machine operational at its Central Material Testing Laboratory (CMTL) in Lahore. The machine, developed in collaboration with the University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore, is designed to perform geo- technical testing on rocks for foundations of major dam and hydropower projects. WAPDA Chairman Lt Gen (Retd) Sajjad Ghani and UET Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Shahid Munir visited the facility to mark the occasion. Senior officials from WAPDA and UET also attended the event. The Chairman and Vice Chancellor toured various labs, including the rock mechanics, soil mechanics, and cement and concrete testing labs. Chairman Ghani praised the Technical Services Division for their efforts and emphasized that WAPDA is equipping the lab with the latest machines and updating existing equipment. This modernization will enable Pakistan to conduct advanced material testing domestically, reducing reliance on foreign labs. Prof. Munir highlighted the importance
of strengthening ties between industry and academia to drive research and innovation in large-scale infrastructure projects. He expressed UET’s commitment to collaborating with WAPDA to enhance the technical capabilities of its workforce. During the visit, both parties discussed
potential collaboration, including establishing a WAPDA chair at UET and creating specialized courses for WAPDA officers. They also agreed to arrange a visit for UET’s senior faculty to WAPDA’s major dam projects, including Diamer Basha Dam and Dasu Hydropower Project, to observe ongoing construction efforts. WAPDA’s General Manager (Technical Services) provided an overview of the machine’s installation and ongoing lab upgrades. Chairman Ghani directed the team to explore opportunities for expanding CMTL’s commercial services.
US Tool estimates GHG emissions for pumped storage hydropower The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has introduced a new tool designed to
help developers and operators of closed-loop pumped storage hydropower (PSH) facilities estimate the greenhouse gas emissions generated over the lifetime of these projects. This tool, the Pumped Storage Hydropower Life Cycle Assessment, provides a way for users to assess emissions from the construction and operation of PSH systems. These emissions can arise from factors such as the use of diesel-powered construction equipment, materials like concrete and steel, and the electricity mix used to power the system.
In 2023, NREL researchers found that PSH had the lowest greenhouse gas emissions compared to four other energy storage technologies: compressed-air energy storage, utility-scale lithium-ion batteries, lead-acid batteries, and vanadium redox flow batteries. PSH’s low emissions profile highlights its potential role in supporting renewable energy generation from sources like solar and wind. The new tool allows users to input site- specific details such as reservoir volume, dam dimensions, turbine capacity, and transmission line length. The goal is to help developers identify configurations that minimize emissions. Users can compare different scenarios and view emissions breakdowns by component, material, and life cycle phase. “The tool’s ultimate goal is to show how pumped storage hydropower can contribute to overall greenhouse gas emissions reductions and make the clean energy transition as clean as possible,” said NREL’s Stuart Cohen. The US Department of Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office supported the development of the tool.
Europe
Eurelectric and IHA partner to boost sustainable hydropower in Europe Eurelectric and the International Hydropower Association (IHA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on promoting sustainable hydropower development across Europe. This partnership was formalized on Global Hydropower Day and aims to enhance policy and advocacy efforts, focusing on gaining stronger regulatory support for hydropower technologies. The cooperation between the two
organizations will aim to raise the profile of sustainable hydropower within European institutions, highlighting its role in providing flexibility and pumped storage solutions within the energy sector. One of the first initiatives under this partnership will be the International Forum for Pumped Storage Hydropower, set to take place in Paris in September 2025.
IHA CEO Eddie Rich commented on the
collaboration, stating: “The clean energy transition cannot be achieved without organisations like ours creating something bigger than the sum of our individual parts. By working together, IHA and Eurelectric can accomplish much more, driving change in areas such as permitting and licencing to facilitate the modernisation of the European hydropower fleet and maximising opportunities for the development of pumped storage across the region.” Kristian Ruby, Secretary General of
Eurelectric, echoed this sentiment, saying: “Hydropower is a crucial resource for Europe’s energy transition and security of supply. We must prioritise refurbishing and upgrading our existing hydropower plants and expand pumped storage capacities. I look forward to collaborating with the IHA to fully unlock hydropower’s potential across Europe.” The partnership is expected to play a significant role in advancing hydropower technology and supporting Europe’s clean energy goals.
Norway ANDRITZ to upgrade unit at Vamma hydropower plant ANDRITZ has been selected by Norwegian utility Hafslund to upgrade one of the turbine- generator units at the Vamma hydropower plant, Norway’s largest run-of-river facility. The modernization project will improve the performance of unit 11, increasing its capacity by 22%, from 100MW to 122MW. The upgrade includes dismantling,
reassembly, testing, and commissioning, along with new component supply and model testing. ANDRITZ will install a new oil-free Kaplan runner with a water-filled hub to improve efficiency and environmental sustainability. At 7,300mm in diameter, it will be one of the largest runners in Norway. The company will also provide a new turbine governor and stator, which will be assembled on-site. The project, valued in the low double-digit million euro range, was confirmed in mid- 2024. Assembly of the new stator is set for the first half of 2026, with the fully upgraded unit 11 expected to be operational by early 2028. Vamma, owned by Hafslund, is equipped with 12 turbine-generator units and has a total installed capacity of 343 MW. The plant generates an average of 1,580 GWh of electricity annually. “This project is a milestone in our close partnership with Hafslund. By upgrading the Vamma 11 unit, we’re not only boosting its efficiency and capacity, but also extending its operating life to ensure that it continues to support the country’s ambitious renewable energy targets,” said Kjetil Toverud, Managing Director of ANDRITZ Hydropower in Norway.
www.waterpowermagazine.com | November 2024 | 7
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