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efforts within the hydropower and marine energy industries to balance energy production with ecological, historical, and educational commitments, ensuring that these resources are responsibly managed for future generations.
Peru AFRY to oversee modernization of hydropower plants
Engineering and consulting firm AFRY has been selected by Electroperú to oversee the modernization and life extension of the Santiago Antúnez de Mayolo and Restitución hydropower plants in Peru. The project aims to upgrade systems and equipment at both facilities to maintain operational continuity and improve reliability. The contract is valued at approximately SEK 30 million. Electroperú S.A., Peru’s state-owned energy
provider, operates the Mantaro Hydroelectric Complex, which includes the 798MW Santiago Antúnez de Mayolo plant and the 210MW Restitución plant in the Andes. Built in 1973, these plants are essential to the country’s electricity generation. The modernization effort, which began in May 2024, will last nearly three years. It includes replacing aging equipment and upgrading auxiliary systems to extend their operational life, along with training programs to ensure ongoing safety and reliability. AFRY’s role covers contract review, risk analysis, technical coordination, quality assessment, and supervision of factory and on-site testing. The firm aims to ensure that the project meets the highest technical and safety standards. “We are proud to be Electroperú’s technical partner in this crucial project for the country’s hydropower future. With a team of highly experienced professionals committed to excellence, we are confident in ensuring a timely and successful execution of the project,” said Roland Schmidt, AFRY’s Regional Director for Latin America.
Europe SHERPA project launched to improve hydropower plant performance and sustainability The SHERPA project, funded by the European Commission under the Horizon Europe Program, has officially launched, with the 42-month initiative aiming to enhance the operational range, performance, and environmental impact of hydropower plants. The project brings together seven key partners to develop innovative solutions aimed at improving the efficiency and sustainability of hydropower plants. The consortium includes partners from four EU countries: Iberdrola Generación S.A. (project coordinator), Asociación de Investigación Metalúrgica del Noroeste, Voith Hydro Holding GmbH & Co, EPRI Europe DAC, Innomerics SL., Aecom Inocsa S.L., and Zabala Innovation.
The project kickoff meeting was held at the Basque Delegation in Brussels in September. Marta Marin, Basque Delegate to the European Union, opened the event, and the project’s coordinator from Iberdrola presented an overview of the initiative. Each partner outlined their work packages, and Clara Astudillo, the European Commission’s Project Officer, provided guidance on compliance and reporting. Hydropower turbines face operational challenges due to fluctuating energy demands and the need for more flexibility. Environmental flow (E-flows) regulations often force turbines to operate outside their optimal conditions, leading to inefficiencies, increased wear, and higher maintenance costs. The SHERPA project seeks to address these challenges by developing and validating new technologies for refurbishing hydropower plants. The project’s key technological innovations include:
Advanced materials and coatings to reduce damage and enhance resistance to cavitation. Adaptive rotational speed strategies to adjust turbine speed based on water flow. Air injection systems to improve water quality and operational efficiency. New runner designs tailored for better performance under E-flow conditions.
SHERPA will also use advanced modelling, simulation, and monitoring tools to assess the impact of these solutions on energy output, cost-effectiveness, and biodiversity. The goal is to extend the operational range of hydropower plants without compromising their economic viability or environmental and social impact. SHERPA will tackle 10 key technological challenges across four main areas: 1. Mechanical solutions to improve performance and reduce damage at low water flows.
2. Electrical solutions for optimizing performance and reducing damage under fluctuating conditions.
3. Measures to enhance water quality and protect biodiversity.
4. Advanced tools for modelling, performance monitoring, and predicting the remaining useful life of turbine components.
SHERPA stands for SHERPA stands for Solutions for Hydropower plants to Enhance operational Range, Performance, and improve environmental impact.
Norway
Downing acquires two hydropower plants in Norway Investment manager Downing has expanded its presence in the Nordic renewable energy market with the acquisition of two hydropower plants in Norway. The new acquisitions, Skjeggfoss Kraftverk in southern Norway and Haugsvær Kraftverk in the southwest, have a combined output of 10 GWh per year.
The purchase, made through the Downing
Estate Planning Service (DEPS) in partnership with Fossberg Kraft AS, brings DEPS’s total Norwegian hydropower production to 43 GWh annually across nine facilities. The deal is part of Downing’s ongoing investments in the Nordic region, where its Energy and Infrastructure team manages around 50 renewable assets across Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland. Henrik Dahlstrom, Investment Director at Downing, commented, “We are delighted to be bringing into operation the latest projects in our Norwegian hydropower construction funding programme. We look forward to continuing our excellent relationship with Fossberg Kraft AS and to growing our Norwegian hydropower portfolio.”
Downing’s Energy and Infrastructure team, which manages around £920 million in solar, wind, hydro, and battery storage, has completed over 200 investments in renewable energy. Just last month, Downing Renewables & Infrastructure Trust Plc (DORE) announced its commitment to acquire three hydropower plants in Sweden, along with their associated storage reservoirs, for approximately £5 million. The plants are located on the Norasjön River in Örebro County within Sweden’s SE3 electricity price region.
Malaysia Andritz to upgrade Chenderoh hydropower plant Malaysia’s oldest hydro plant, Chenderoh, is set for a major upgrade as part of a new rehabilitation project. TNB Power Generation has commissioned Andritz to perform an extensive uprating of the facility, aiming to extend its operational lifespan and increase the capacity of three generating units by 5%. The contract, signed in September 2024, is valued in the high double-digit millions of euros. The Chenderoh plant, which last underwent a significant overhaul in the 1990s, has been running continuously since then. As part of this new project, Andritz will conduct major upgrades on the turbines and supply new generators. The company will also rehabilitate hydromechanical equipment and modernize the plant’s auxiliary systems. Additional improvements include enhancing the safety and reliability of the cooling system for unit 4, as well as updating various support systems. Electrical systems will be upgraded, and new infrastructure, such as a generator transformer and a powerhouse crane, will be installed. The project encompasses engineering, construction, and commissioning of the electrical and mechanical equipment, along with necessary civil works. The rehabilitation forms a key part of TNB’s “Life Extension Program,” which aims to modernize and maintain its hydropower assets. This effort reflects TNB’s commitment to ensuring the continued reliability and sustainability of Malaysia‘s power supply.
www.waterpowermagazine.com | December 2024 | 7
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