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of experience from working on complex hydropower schemes worldwide, including projects in Switzerland, Germany, Luxembourg, Canada, and Dubai. Their expertise extends to operators for similar or larger-sized pumped storage schemes, ensuring that scheme development prioritizes ease and resilience in operation and maintenance planning. Josef Mayr, Managing Director of ILF Consulting Engineers Austria, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating: “ We are thrilled to embark on this collaborative journey with Arup. Their expertise and track record align seamlessly with our own vision and capabilities. Together, we aim to bring innovative solutions to the hydropower UK market, setting new standards in sustainable energy. This collaboration signifies not only the cooperation of two companies, but a collective commitment to driving positive change in the UK renewable energy landscape. We are eager to foster this relationship and look forward to the accomplishments it will undoubtedly bring.”
US
Biden-Harris Administration unveils $38 million investment in US hydropower facilities The Biden-Harris Administration, in line with President Biden’s ambitious Investing in America agenda, has revealed an investment of over $38 million to bolster hydropower facilities across the US. This landmark initiative marks the most extensive single investment in the nation’s waterpower production to date, with a focus on expanding access to affordable and clean electricity.
Under the provisions of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the US Department of Energy (DOE) has declared that 66 hydro facilities situated throughout the nation will benefit from incentive payments tied to the electricity they generate and sell. These payments are aimed at supporting hydroelectric power generation and distribution from dams and other water infrastructure, particularly in areas with inadequate electrical service. This financial boost represents the DOE’s most significant commitment to hydroelectric facilities to date and aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to achieving ambitious clean energy objectives. “Hydropower is one of the nation’s original
sources of renewable energy and President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is providing transformative funding to help protect this existing clean energy infrastructure,” said US Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “[The] announcement supports waterpower’s continued growth while maintaining and expanding good-paying jobs and increasing access to affordable, clean power where it is needed most.” Hydropower presently contributes 28.7% of the US’ renewable electricity generation and constitutes 93% of all utility-scale energy
storage capacity. Nevertheless, fewer than 3% of the country’s 90,000+ dams are currently equipped to generate power. By adding generation equipment to these sites, the US could potentially integrate up to 12GW of new hydropower capacity into its electric grid. The Hydroelectric Production Incentives, administered by the DOE’s Grid Deployment Office, are part of a comprehensive program funded by a $750 million allocation from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This initiative is designed to sustain the operation of the US hydropower fleet and enhance the reliability and resilience of the electrical grid. It includes other program components, such as the Hydroelectric Efficiency Improvement Incentives and Maintaining & Enhancing Hydroelectricity Incentives. Originally initiated in 2014 and expanded under the Biden- Harris Administration, these incentives have been instrumental in supporting various aspects of the hydropower sector, including operations and maintenance, debt servicing, the exploration of new small hydropower opportunities, and remuneration for the hydropower workforce. Furthermore, the DOE has released the
revamped Hydropower Vision Roadmap, led by the Water Power Technologies Office. This initiative builds upon the Hydropower Vision report of 2016, aiming to make it a living document. The roadmap outlines key activities identified by the hydropower community to achieve a substantial increase in the United States’ combined electricity generation and storage capacity, from the current 101GW to nearly 150GW by 2050. This growth is contingent on continued technological advancements, innovative market mechanisms, and an unwavering focus on environmental sustainability.
Kenya Gogo hydropower redevelopment project gets green light The Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) has received the Cabinet’s approval to proceed with the Gogo Hydropower Redevelopment Project. The project on the River Kuja in Migori County is a forward-looking initiative that aims to enhance the dam’s electricity generation capacity from its current 2MW to 8.6MW. This expansion project aligns with Kenya’s commitment to clean energy and bolsters its efforts to meet the 100% clean energy targets set by the global climate action agenda. “The Cabinet’s approval of the Gogo
Hydropower Redevelopment Project is a momentous milestone for the people of Western Kenya and a testament to the government’s commitment to regional development,” said Eng. Peter Njenga, KenGen’s Managing Director and CEO. “This project not only signifies progress in the energy sector but also holds the promise of economic growth, job creation, and
improved livelihoods for our communities while contributing to our clean energy goals.” The existing Gogo power plant, which traces its origins back to 1958, has served its purpose well over the years. Still, it now grapples with frequent breakdowns and the challenges of sourcing spare parts due to its aging infrastructure. With the Cabinet’s endorsement, the Gogo Project is poised to reinvigorate the reliability of power supply while spurring socio- economic activities across the entire Nyanza and Western Kenya Regions.
US
Unico Mechanical awarded $9.1 million contract for Fort Peck butterfly valve overhaul Unico Mechanical Corp has secured a $9.1 million contract from the
US.Army Corps of Engineers for the comprehensive refurbishment of two 216-inch diameter Butterfly Valves (BFVs) and their associated components at the Fort Peck Dam in Fort Peck, Montana. The comprehensive refurbishment scope encompasses the supply of new disk seals, upper and lower trunnion housings and bushings, the design and construction of new hydraulic power units (HPUs), hydraulic actuators, new actuator linkages with integral locking mechanisms, new bypass piping and associated valves, new working platforms, penstock inspection, and coatings. Unico Mechanical will perform all activities related to the project in-house, including the manufacturing of new and replacement valve components, on-site valve refurbishment, equipment installation, and plant commissioning. The anticipated completion date for the project is May 28, 2025. Randy Potter, President and CEO of Unico Mechanical, expressed his pride in the company’s selection for this significant project, stating, “We are honored that Unico was selected to overhaul the 216-inch butterfly valves at Fort Peck, Montana. We are one of the few companies that specialize in valve refurbishment for the hydroelectric power generation industry, and Unico brings decades of experience to this type of project. We specialize in the repair and overhaul of large municipal water and hydro power machinery and have worked on many large butterfly valves that measure over 90 inches. We understand butterfly valves inside and out; we have seen what works and what doesn’t. Our team has developed techniques and specialized equipment for refurbishing valves in the field or in our shop. Our expertise helps reduce the risk associated with large complex projects such as this one. The engineering team does an initial inspection to determine exactly what is worn or damaged, and detailed findings are documented in an inspection report that includes CAD drawings. This report serves as the basis for the valve overhaul project plan and discussions with our customer.”
www.waterpowermagazine.com | December 2023 | 7
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