Alstom To Modernize Two Hydro Power Plants In Switzerland

Alstom has been awarded two contracts worth a total of over 9 million Euros (CHF 11 million)^[1] for the modernization of two hydro power plants in the Canton Glarus and the Canton Valais, Switzerland.

In the framework of the first contract, Axpo Power AG has commissioned Alstom to upgrade the exciters and discharges of the 37.5 MWA hydro generators units 1 and 2 in the Löntsch power plant. The scope of the order includes the conversion of the excitation system for brushless regulators, the replacement of voltage transformers and circuit breakers with enclosed switchgears and the installation of fully insulated shockproof busbars for the discharges. The contract provides for sequential processing of machinery, and should be completed respectively during the summer 2015 and 2016.

The Löntsch power plant – located in the Canton Glarus – is one of the oldest power plants of Axpo Power Ltd and has formed the first Swiss power plant network together with the Aare power Plant in Beznau at the beginning of the 20^th century. The power plant has an average annual power generation of 120 million kWh and uses the water of Lake Klöntal fed by a catchment basin of 82 km² in the Glarus Alps (central Switzerland).

For the second contract, Grande Dixence Ltd has commissioned Alstom to replace the four rotors and poles on the Sécheron machines at the Nendaz power plant in Valais. Replacing rotors on existing equipment is a technically demanding task as there are significant restrictions on the interfaces with shafts, bearings and the stator. The Nendaz power plant stators will be gradually replaced by Alstom.

With an installed base accounting for more than a quarter of the world’s hydro facilities, Alstom has developed an extensive experience assessing and servicing, retrofitting and modernizing power plants in operation.

This particular know-how includes plant support (typically inspection, maintenance, repair, spare parts and diagnostics), small retrofit and large retrofit activities; and all types of equipment (including turbines, generators and control system). Alstom Hydro Service offers to power plant operators, both proven and flexible, standardized or customized services to to significantly extend equipment’s life span, maintain plant availability, at optimum efficiency, and even increase performance.

^[1] This order has been booked in the 4th quarter of the financial year 2013/2014