GE Vernova to replace two units at Dinorwig hydro plant in Wales

GE Vernova (NYSE: GEV) has announced an agreement with First Hydro Company, a joint venture between ENGIE and La Caisse, to replace two pumped storage units at the Dinorwig pumped storage hydropower plant in North Wales, UK.

The work is part of First Hydro's long-term replanting program at Dinorwig, which is over 40 years old and capable of delivering up to 1,320 MW of power within 12 seconds from standby. The broader program covers all six generating units and is expected to extend the plant's operational life by at least 25 years.

Under the agreement, GE Vernova will supply upgraded motor generators and pump turbines, along with refurbishment of embedded components including the spiral case, stay ring, and draft tube. The project also includes an upgraded control system, as well as low-voltage, medium-voltage, and DC power supply systems. Pump turbines were engineered at GE Vernova's facility in Grenoble, France, and motor generators at its facility in Birr, Switzerland.

The announcement follows the completion of pumped storage unit model test validation at GE Vernova's testing laboratory in Grenoble. Additional scope includes Variable Frequency Starting Equipment from GE Vernova's Power Conversion business in Germany, a protection system from Grid Solutions in Spain, and a generator shaft manufactured by Gas Power in Switzerland.

"This contract marks an important milestone in our long-term investment programme at Dinorwig," said Delphine Cherel-Sparham, Managing Director of ENGIE Hydro UK.

Through First Hydro Company, ENGIE and La Caisse own and operate the Dinorwig and Ffestiniog pumped storage stations in North Wales, which together provide 2.1 GW of installed capacity, representing around 74% of the UK's pumped storage hydro capacity, according to the press release.

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