Local news Austria
06/03/2023: Testing for the best – Festive inauguration of the world’s strongest R&D rig
After a planned construction time of about a year, the new high performance test rig has now been inaugurated, marking a new milestone in R&D history.
With an employee celebration in Linz, Austria, the launch of the new test facility took place in the presence of Wolfgang Semper, member of the Management Board of ANDRITZ Hydro GmbH and member of the Executive Board of ANDRITZ AG.
In future it will be possible to test model turbines for hydropower plants with a model head of up to 250 m and a maximum flow rate of 1.8 m3/s. It will also be possible to implement special customer requests regarding larger model sizes and test conditions. Test rig operations will be supported by the internal ANDRITZ platform Metris, which will automatically monitor the test data. The high-performance test rig is designed as a universal test rig for Kaplan turbines, Francis turbines, storage pumps and pump turbines with a broad range from low to high pressure, and both vertical and horizontal arrangement.
With the inauguration of this testing facility, ANDRITZ has turned its vision of building the world’s most powerful test rig into reality. The first customer acceptance tests will take place in the next few months.
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01/03/2023: “Asia 2023” is taking place again – March 14-16, 2023, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
After a long period without face-to-face meetings due to the pandemic, the hydropower community will again come together at "Asia 2023" from March 14-16, 2023, in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia.
This year’s "ASIA 2023" is themed “Water Resources and Renewable Energy Development in Asia” and provides an excellent platform for international experts and all those interested in the hydropower industry, such as utilities, suppliers, investors, project developers, and operators from around the world, to address issues of immediate importance to the region.
ANDRITZ is market leader for electromechanical equipment in Asia with local set-ups in Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Philippines, Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, and New Zealand. About 3,000 turbines with a total capacity of approximately 105,000 MW have been supplied by ANDRITZ to this region so far, with the first deliveries starting at the beginning of the 20th century.
We will be at “ASIA 2023” and are looking forward to again meeting all partners in the hydropower industry and to spending a few days full of discussions, presentations, and exchange of experiences
Visit us at Asia 2023 at booth No. 23!
Additional info box:
Event facts:
- Asia 2023 Water Resources and Renewable Energy Development in Asia”
- When: March 14-16, 2023
- Where: Shangri La Hotel,Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Organizer: Aqua Media International
- Webpage event
- Registration link
- Event brochure of the organizer
ANDRITZ presentations:
Wednesday March, 15
Session 13 - Hydropower equipment
- Case study of a low specific speed Kaplan in a high abrasive environment – S. Weissenberger and R. Peyreder, Andritz Hydro GmbH, Austria; C. Morper, Andritz Hydro GmbH, Germany
- Multiple compact units: Detailed analysis – P. Duflon, Andritz Hydro SAS, France
Session 16 - New approaches to renewable
- Energy Systems Battery energy storage systems in hydro powerplants: The perfect match for the future? – T. Eiper, J. Hell and S. Kadam, Andritz Hydro, Austria
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28/02/2023: Pumped Storage Plant Wehr, Germany – Another contract for generator rehabilitation
We are honored to be trusted with another generator rehabilitation at the pumped storage plant Wehr in Germany.
After the successful commissioning of generator unit B09 in 2021 and the award of the follow-up order for unit B10 in 2022, the new contract for unit A09 is proof of the customers satisfaction with the excellent work of our generator competence center, having developed the world's most powerful air-cooled horizontal motor generators.
We are proud to be part of this project and to support our customer in rehabilitating this important power plant. With 910 MW (turbine mode) / 980 MW (pump mode) PSP Wehr is providing about 1,000 GWh of clean and climate-friendly energy per year.
Read more about our activities in Wehr in our latest issue of HydroNews 36.
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27/02/2023: 22nd Company Day of HTL Weiz
The 22nd Company Day of HTL Weiz at the Kunsthaus Weiz provided an ideal platform for interested parties to find out about their career opportunities.
As an international technology group, ANDRITZ also presented itself as an attractive employer. Representatives of the technical departments and human resources management of ANDRITZ Hydro had an exchange with many young, enthusiastic visitors. We are already looking forward to the next Company Day at HTL Weiz.
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16/02/2023: Roundtable on sustainable hydroelectricity in Colombia
We thank the IHA for their invitation to participate in the round table on sustainable hydroelectricity in Colombia held on Monday, February 6 in Bogota Colombia.
IHA President Roger Gill along with his colleagues Pablo Valverde and Joao Costa moderated the presentations and discussions held during a morning with representatives of the Colombian energy sector such as the Ministry of Energy, National Agency for Environmental Licensing, Association of Generators of Colombia, National Association of Public Services and Communications Companies, Empresas Públicas de Medellín, Isagen, representatives of small hydro and finally ANDRITZ as a manufacturer with an important presence in the hydropower of Colombia.
The total capacity of the interconnected system in Colombia is 18.7 GW and the hydroelectric potential is 51.6 GW, consequently, there are still many opportunities for new but sustainable hydroelectric developments.
Even with the incorporation of around 2.5 GW in new Wind and Solar generation planned in Colombia for the next 2 years, hydroelectricity will continue be around 70% of the total demand, so the challenges will be to maintain and renew existing hydroelectric plants and consider the storage with reversible power plants as key pieces for the energy transition in Colombia.
We thank the IHA and we remain attentive to the next meetings that may arise as a result of this meeting with the Colombian authorities.
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25/01/2023: Sponsoring of equipment for ski school in Tajikistan
When working on a site, sponsoring of local activities and local social institutions is very important for ANDRITZ.
12/01/2023: Ialy Expansion Hydropower Plant – Successful turbine model test
The Vietnam Electricity (EVN) and ANDRITZ have organized the test of the turbine model for the Ialy Hydropower Plant Extension Project in December 2022.
20/12/2022: Renewable energy for Lao PDR - ANDRITZ receives contract for Luang Prabang hydropower plant
International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from CH. Karnchang (Lao) Company Ltd. to supply the electro-mechanical equipment for the newly constructed Luang Prabang run-of-river hydropower plant, Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
19/12/2022: HPP Nam Theun 1, Laos – Successful taking over of all units
Finally, after a challenging commissioning period, all units of Nam Theun 1 hydropower station are successfully completed and have been handed over for commercial operation in August 2022.
The Nam Theun 1 hydropower station is a storage scheme using the water from the Nam Kading River and is located in the last gorge before the confluence with the Mekong River. There are three units installed, two 270-MW- units for EGAT, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, and one 130-MW-unit for EdL (Électricité du Laos). The main objective of the project is to produce and sell power to EGAT and EdL.
ANDRITZ received an order from Nam Theun 1 Power Company (NT1PC) in Laos for a complete new turnkey project in August 2016. The scope of supply for ANDRITZ comprised design, detail engineering, manufacturing, delivery, installation, and commissioning of the complete electromechanical equipment for all three units including turbines, MIVs, generators, main transformers, 500 kV GIS, and several switchyards. The project is executed within a consortium of ANDRITZ Hydro Austria (lead) and ANDRITZ Hydro India.
Although dealing with a complete site lock-down for more than a month in April 2020 and other obstacles caused by the Corona pandemic, the ANDRITZ team has not left the Nam Theun 1 site keeping the installation progress alive as much as possible. Most of the material has been already at site, so the biggest challenges were bringing the necessary staff for supervision and especially for the commissioning from abroad to Laos due to travelling and visa/quarantine restrictions and arranging the consignments of the heavy parts such as main transformers and main inlet valves over the border and across the river Mekong to the site. But in a cooperative effort with all involved parties and thanks to the excellent on-site staff, these challenges were faced head-on and the commissioning and handing over could take place successfully. All units were put into commercial operation with August 2022.
ANDRITZ is proud to have been part of this important project and to have been able to overcome all challenges. Nam Theun 1 is now producing renewable energy for the local people in Laos and Thailand.
Technical details:
Total output: 2x 270 MW / 316 MVA and 1x 130 MW / 156 MVA
Voltage: 13.8/500 kV and 15.75/110 kV
Speed: 187,5 rpm and 250 rpm
Head: 140 m
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13/12/2022: Gulpur, Pakistan – Site Safety Award
In recognition of the excellent safety performance with an accident-free period comprising 1.390.000 manhours of work at site without any lost time accident, Markus Fuchsberger, Vice President Quality Management, presented the ANDRITZ Site Safety Award to the Gulpur hydropower plant project team on December 1, 2022.
Congratulation to Raheem Abdul Samee, Site Manager; Amer Ali, HSE Manager; Muhammad Wasif Ali, Site Coordinator; Iftikhar Ahmad, Onshore Manager; Bahar Ali, Commercial Onshore Manager; as well as to our excellent site staff for active participation.
The 102-MW-Gulpur hydropower plant is located in the state of Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan and owned by Mira Power Ltd, a special purpose company of the Korea Southeast Power Company Limited (KOEN). ANDRITZ supplied the entire electro-mechanical and hydro-mechanical equipment for the new run-of-river plant., we reported recently.
We congratulate the installation and commissioning team of Gulpur to this achievement!
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09/12/2022: ANDRITZ at the education and career orientation fair B-BOM 22
The education and career orientation fair B-BOM 22 in the forumKloster in Gleisdorf offered an optimal platform for interested parties to inform themselves about their career opportunities.
As an international technology Group, ANDRITZ also presented itself as an attractive employer and pioneer through apprenticeship training. The representatives of the specialist departments and personnel management of Andritz HYDRO GmbH exchanged ideas with many young, enthusiastic visitors.
We are already looking forward to the next "pre-Christmas" education and career orientation fair in Gleisdorf!
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07/12/2022: Kidston PSPP, Australia – Moving forward
Currently, the first components for Kidston PSP are arriving from abroad, all embedded parts for two pump turbines such as the draft tube, the draft tube gate, the spiral case and the stay ring were successfully delivered to the site storage in October 2022.
Other deliveries for the plant are scheduled till mid-summer 2023. We informed some weeks ago.
The 250 MW Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project (K2-Hydro) is the first pumped hydro project in Australia for over 40 years, the first to be developed by the private sector, and the third largest electricity storage device in the country. ANDRITZ is supplying the complete electro-mechanical equipment including a 10-year-O&M contract for this prestigious project.
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21/11/2022: ANDRITZ at Expert Event „Digitalization in Hydropower“
On November 17 - 18, 2022 vgbe in cooperation with Verbund held the 5th International Expert Event “Digitalization in Hydropower” in Vienna, Austria.
The event brought together hydropower professionals and decision-makers from many countries and provided a comprehensive overview of important topics regarding digitalization in hydropower.
Here the company’s Martin Unterkreuter presented ANDRITZ’ technical and commercial solutions and services dedicated to Operation and Maintenance activities, and their optimization. These services are supported by the modular and flexible platform Metris DiOMera. which optimally meets specific customer requirements, preserves the environment and supports operation management. It provides a decision guidance for target-oriented maintenance works considering the lifetime management to define the right scope and moment for the maintenance in order to maximize the availability of the plant.
Learn more how to maximize the availability of your hydropower plant with Metris DiOMera.
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21/11/2022: Sloy, Scotland – Connected to the grid
That’s the final chapter on a long and challenging way - Sloy hydropower plant in Scotland.
Improvement works are now completed, with the station producing 152.5 MW green, sustainable, and clean power.
First commissioned in 1950, Sloy is owned and operated by SSE, Scotland and now has additional capability installed by ANDRITZ. Housing four vertical Francis turbines with a rated output of 3 x 40 MW and 1 x 32.5, it is the largest conventional hydroelectric power plant (excluding pump stations) in the entire UK.
The scope of works for ANDRITZ now included design, manufacture, supply, integration, and commissioning of the hydraulic and digital governor including mechanical overspeed device and renewed servomotors which had to be integrated into the existing actuator housing as well as unit control system including HMI, and further integration of those systems with existing field devices. The project was carried out by ANDRITZ locations in Austria (Vienna and Linz) and Ravensburg in Germany, closely cooperating with one another and with the customer.
ANDRITZ has a long reference history in Scotland and was awarded several contracts by SSE recently. We are always striving to support our customers as best as possible with our comprehensive product and service portfolio. Safety and long operational life of our customers assets are main objectives.
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16/11/2022: VIENNAHYDRO 2022 – a review
After a long time without any face-to-face meetings due to the COVID pandemic, the whole Hydro community of Austria and the neighboring countries was looking forward to meeting each other at the traditional Seminar on Hydropower Plants –known as Viennahydro.
This year, about 220 representatives from utilities, suppliers and academic institutions participated in this event and ANDRITZ was proud to be part of it. Nine dedicated ANDRITZ paper presentations, session chairs, and a modern booth offered a lot of opportunities for an interesting experience exchange and discussions between all participants. It was a very successful and productive event that opened up many new opportunities and perspectives.
We were happy to meet you there!
The whole ANDRITZ Hydro team is looking forward to the next Viennahydro in 2024.
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04/11/2022: VIENNAHYDRO 2022 – We will be there!
For many years „The Seminar on Hydropower“ organized by the Institute of Energy Systems and Thermodynamics of the TU Vienna, Austria is providing a platform to exchange experience and enable open-minded discussion about the role of Hydropower.
This year, the 21st edition of the conference will take place on November 9-11, 2022, in Laxenburg, Austria.
ANDRITZ is proud to be a sponsor, presenting technical papers and offering a booth space for discussions amongst the participants.
Event details:
- 21st International Seminar on Hydropower
- When: November 9-11, 2022
- Where: Conference Center Laxenburg, Austria
- Organizer: TU Wien; Institute of Energy Systems and Thermodynamics; Research Unit of Fluid-Flow Machinery
- Registration Link
- Event program
• ANDRITZ Presenters:
SESSION 2.2: Environmental, 09/Nov/2022
“Adaption of Turbine Design Procedures for Enhancing Fish-Passage Conditions” by Pedro Romero-Gomez
SESSION 3.1: Pumped Storage 1, 10/Nov/2022:
“Design of variable speed PSP for immediate power” by Alois Lechner
SESSION 3.2: Control & Automation of HPP, 10/Nov/2022
“Hybridization of a RoR hydro power plant with a BESS – Experiences from the XFLEX HYDRO Vogelgrun Demonstrator” by Serdar Kadam
SESSION 3.2: Control & Automation of HPP, 10/Nov/2022
“Advantages of a unified platform for hydro power automation” by Werner Hörhann
SESSION 4.1: Operation & Maintenance 2, 10/Nov/2022
“Air cooling at its best: Changing the stator cooling scheme of a 300 MVA horizontal pump storage unit from water to air” by Gebhard Kastner
SESSION 6.1: Numerical Simulation 2, 10/Nov/2022
“Radial Fan layout: Towards an automated optimized, fast and reliable design” by Daniel Langmayr
SESSION 8.1: Pumped Storage 2, 11/Nov/2022
“Rehabilitation and runnder refurbishment of the pumped storage plant Rönkhausen” by Arno Gehrer
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24/10/2022: Kidston PSPP, Australia – Arrival of first components
The 250 MW Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project (K2-Hydro) is the first pumped hydro project in Australia for over 40 years, the first to be developed by the private sector, and the third largest electricity storage device in the country.
K2-Hydro is the flagship project of the Kidston Clean Energy Hub, located in Kidston, Far-North Queensland. In 2021, ANDRITZ signed a contract for the design, supply, and commissioning of the complete electro-mechanical equipment for this ground-breaking project.
Currently, the first components are arriving from abroad, all embedded parts for two pump turbines such as the draft tube, the draft tube gate, the spiral case and the stay ring were successfully delivered to the site storage in October 2022. Other deliveries for the plant are scheduled till mid-summer 2023. With end of 2024, ANDRITZ will put this 250 MW pumped-storage project in operation and will operate and maintain it for the subsequent 10 years.
After commissioning, Kidston will provide “renewable energy on tap”. ANDRITZ is extremely proud to play a key role in this unique development and to be able to support the client Genex Power and the Australian people on their way to a stable and renewable energy future.
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20/10 2022: Gulpur, Pakistan – Festive inauguration ceremony
On September 28th, 2022, the inauguration ceremony of the 102 MW Gulpur run-of-river plant in Pakistan was held at site in the in the state of Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan.
The ceremony was chaired by Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira (Advisor to the Prime Minister on Kashmir Affairs & Gilgit-Baltistan) and was co-chaired by Mr. Kim Hoe Chun (CEO, KOEN).
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19/10/2022: Tedzani III, Malawi - FAC Signing Ceremony in Blantyre
On the 28th Sept 2022, EGENCO‘s CEO, Mr. William Liabunya together with Walter Schwarz, Project Manager of ANDRITZ Hydro have signed the Final Acceptance Certificates (FAC) for the modernization and uprating of the two units of the Tedzani III Power Station.
One further milestone in the brilliant relation between both companies.
Special thanks to the Director of Operations, Mr. Rex H. Muhome, who was the biggest fighter for getting things done, for Blessings Phariwa, the former Power Station Manager and the entire EGENCO team.
Walter Schwarz stated: “As Project Manager for ANDRITZ Hydro, it is my wish to also thank the entire ANDRITZ team for such professionalism and performance over quite a long time in a challenging surrounding.”
The Project was closed to the full satisfaction of both partners. Furthermore, it should be mentioned, that the commercial goals as well as the time schedule for the Tedzani III Rehab Project could be kept.
Highlights are:
- Elimination of turbine cavitation problems
- Modernizing turbines, generators, Automation and EPS to modern and highest standards
- Upgrade from 26 MW to 31 MW
- Proven reliability of both units
HPP Tedzani III is located in Southern Malawi, about 100 km northwest of the city of Blantyre – Malawi’s center of finance and commerce and the second largest city in the country. The contract for rehabilitation, modernization and upgrading of the hydropower station was signed in March 2016. ANDRITZ was responsible for specifically defined repair and replacement works on turbines and generators including commissioning as well as for design, manufacturing, supply, installation, and commissioning of a completely new control and SCADA system, new excitation, protection and synchronization systems.
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17/10/2022: ANDRITZ successful at career fairs in Upper Austria
The Career Day at Johannes Kepler University in Linz on October 12th, 2022, and the FH Career Fair in Wels on October 13th, 2022, provided an ideal platform for interested parties to find out about their career opportunities.
As an international technology Group, ANDRITZ also presented itself as an attractive employer. Representatives of the technical departments and human resources management of ANDRITZ Hydro GmbH had an exchange with many young, enthusiastic visitors.
We are already looking forward to the next dynamic fall and thus to the Career Day of Johannes Kepler University Linz and the FH Career Fair in Wels!
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05/10/2022: Career Day at TGM in Vienna
TGM - The School of Technology - is the largest HTL in Vienna and one of the oldest in Austria, with around 2,600 students and 330 teachers.
The training programs include electronics and technical computer science, electrical engineering, IT, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, and plastics technology, as well as the field of biomedical and health technology.
On September 29, 2022, the Career Day was held at the “Technologisches Gewerbemuseum” in Vienna. As an international technology Group, ANDRITZ also presented itself as a potential employer. Representatives of the technical departments and the HR management of ANDRITZ Hydro exchanged ideas with many young, interested students.
We are already looking forward to the next exciting Career Day at the TGM in Vienna.
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21/09 2022: ANDRITZ participates in International Hydropower Conference in Nepal
On September 12th to 13th, 2022, Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, was the host to the high-ranking international hydropower conference „Building Back Better and Greener with Sustainable Hydropower”.
Organized by the Nepal Hydropower Association (NHA), in collaboration with the International Hydropower Association (IHA), the conference focus was to promote consumption of hydropower and green energy to replace use of fossil fuels, a topic ever more important as the whole region is increasingly struggling with the impacts of climate change.
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07/09 2022: ANDRITZ receives contract to deliver electro-mechanical equipment and technical services for Ialy hydropower plant extension project, Vietnam
International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from Vietnam Electricity (EVN), a leading economic group in the energy sector in Vietnam, to supply the complete electro-mechanical equipment and technical services for the Ialy hydropower plant extension project located in Sa Thay district, Kon Tum province, and Chu Pah district, Gia Lai province, in Vietnam.
With the installation of the expansion, the total installed capacity of the Ialy hydropower plant will be increased by more than 30 % to 1,080 MW. The project is expected to be completed in 2025.
Read more in the press release
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16/8/2022: Hatta, Dubai - Penstock: Transition Zone transport to final position
By mid of March 2022 the Transition Zone (section between concrete liner D7.2 m supplied by civil work joint venture Strabag/Ozkar and steel transition liner D6.2 m supplied by ANDRITZ) was positioned successful at its final location.
The Transition Zone was pre- assembled in front of the water intake structure in the upper reservoir due its size and weight. In total, the Transition Zone has a length of 10 m, outer diameter around 7.8 m and a total weight of appr. 74 tons. The transport to its final position was executed by two SPMT (Self-Propelled Modular Transporter), which were connected with a 15-m- long beam in order to support the Transition Zone. This was a very critical task as the theoretical diameter clearance of the tunnel was only 72mm.
After transportation, the final welding works of the geomembrane flange and stiffener rings were executed. Once embedded in concrete by the civil work joint venture, ANDRITZ will start with installation of the 288 m long steel liner section, installed in 6 m sections. ANDRITZ is providing also one bifurcator (D 6.2/ 2 x 4.4 m), two buried penstock (D 4.4 m) and inlet cones which are connected to the main inlet valves.
Bifurcator successfully pre-assembled
By end of April 2022, ANDRITZ has completed the pre-assembly of the bifurcator (D6.2/ 2 x 4.4 m). The bifurcator was pre-assembled in vertical position and main welds of sickle plates and connecting plates were already welded at the pre-manufacturer location in the UAE, located two hours away from Hatta site. After successfully factory acceptance test the sickle plate and connecting plates were Post Weld Heat Treated (PWHT). After PWHT, Non-Destructive Tests will be performed and, subject to successful NDT, the bifurcator will be transported in pieces to the Hatta site and installed in horizontal position at its final position between steel liner D6.2 m and the two buried inclined penstocks D4.4 m.
Hatta:
STRABAG AG, Ozkar Insaat and ANDRITZ Hydro make up the consortium partners in charge of the entire design, procurement, installation and commissioning of the 250 MW Hatta Pumped Storage Power Plant, erected some 140 km southeast of Dubai. The contract was signed with the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) in 2019, under supervision of Electricité de France (EDF) acting as owner Engineer appointed by DEWA in 2017. This marks the start of a project, providing renewable energy through pumped storage hydropower from the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.
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27/07 2022: Women connected all over the world in MINT areas – University of Applied Sciences (FH Wels Austria) Workshop for Women in Engineering
For the second time we have been invited to give a lecture on hydropower for the University of Applied Sciences (FH Wels) at the workshop for “Women in Engineering".
Due to Corona, it was not possible to take a tour of the hydraulic test stand in Linz in 2021. But this year we are pleased to welcome almost 30 female students from all over the world. Under the direction of Mrs. Dr. Claudia Probst, course director for agricultural technology and management, all test rigs were inspected, and many hydraulic phenomena observed. We hope we were able to inspire the one or other student for our exciting work and maybe even get an international application sooner or later!
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30/06 2022: Groundbreaking of Nenggiri Hydroelectric Power Plant, Malaysia – a milestone towards more renewable energy
A groundbreaking ceremony for the new 300-MW Nenggiri Hydroelectric Power Plant, for which the ANDRITZ-led the consortium will supply the electromechanical and hydromechanical equipment, took place on June 12, 2022.
The ceremony was attended by high-ranking delegations from government and industry as well as by the customer and owner, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB).
Read more in the press release
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13/06 2022: LiTec Company Presentation Day in Linz, Austria
On May 19, 2022, the company presentation day took place at the HTL Linzer Technikum, LiTec for short.
The HTL is a higher technical educational institution in Linz and, with around 1,700 students and 200 teachers, one of the largest schools in Austria.
As an international technology company, ANDRITZ also presented itself as a potential employer. Together with representatives from the turbine specialist departments, the recruiter team of ANDRITZ Hydro looked for young talents from various technical fields (design and engineering, installation, test rig, for example). The company presentation day was very successful, as there was a lively and informative exchange between numerous HTL students and ANDRITZ employees.
We are already looking forward to the next LiTec company presentation day to have the opportunity to get in touch with young technicians again.
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01/06 2022: Sultartangi, Iceland - Signing of contract for new generator stators
After the successful commissioning of the first generator stator in September 2021, the National Power Company of Iceland, Landsvirkjun, has awarded a contract to ANDRITZ Hydro for uprating the second generator stator at Sultartangi power station in April 2022.
The scope of supply includes the uprating of the existing generator from 75 MVA to 80 MVA by changing the complete stator. The stator will be pre-stacked and wound in four pieces at the Austrian generator workshop Weiz and the stator joints are closed at the erection bay by our ANDRITZ Hydro site specialists. The works also includes the complete dismantling, reassembling, and commissioning of the generating unit.
Landsvirkjun is the main producer of electricity in Iceland, operating 19 power stations in total, consisting of 15 hydropower stations (40 units), three geothermal power stations (5 units) and one wind power field (2 windmills). Total installed power capacity is 2,148 MW with an entire generation capacity of about 14 TWh/year.
The Sultartangi Power Station, located at the Southern Region of Iceland, was built at the end of the last century and was put into commercial operation in 1999. The station utilizes water from the River Tungnaá and the River Thjórsás, as the two rivers are joined in the Sultartangalón Reservoir above the station.
After successful delivery and project execution for the greenfield projects HPP Karahnjukar and HPP Búrfell Extension, the Sultartangi contract award continues our excellent customer relationship with Landsvirkjun, strengthening our Service and Rehab market position for future projects in Iceland and worldwide.
Technical details:
Scope output: 2 x 80 MVA
Voltage: 11 kV
Speed: 136.36 rpm
Av. annual production: 1,020 GWh
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23/05 2022: TUday22 in Vienna – Looking for young talents
On 12 May 2022, Austria's largest job and career fair for technicians took place at TU Wien – the TUday22.
As an international technology company, ANDRITZ also presented itself as a potential employer. Together with representatives from the technical departments, the recruiter team of ANDRITZ AG and ANDRITZ HYDRO GmbH was looking for young talents from various technical fields. The day at the fair was very successful, as there was a lively and informative exchange between a large number of TU students and ANDRITZ employees.
We are already looking forward to the next TUday to have the opportunity to get in touch with young technicians again.
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March 2022: ANDRITZ Hydro Austria has obtained an ISO 27001 Information Security Management System certification
Over the last years the Hydro Automation business has demanded an elevated standard of information security and our customers - often working in the field of critical infrastructure - increasingly needed to comply with industry standards like ISO 27001.
This has led to challenging internal, mostly manual procedures in answering this demand. Therefore, Hydro Austria has started a project to establish an "ISMS"-System ("Information Security Management System") according to ISO 27001 in 2019.
After more than a year of elaboration and documentation together with our global ANDRITZ IT-Team and the valuable guidance by an external consulting team we can now proudly report that the initial certification could be completed successfully by end of February 2022. This will allow us to have an easier first answer to our customers’ requirements and abbreviate the additional discussion about details and evidence of our establishment of standards.
We see the same demand coming up in other Group-companies and will therefore take additional advantage of this initial investment. Given our global and segregated IT-Setup this exercise was only possible with a seamless team effort between Hydro Automation, Hydro IT, QM and ANDRITZ Group IT. Therefore, we want to thank all the experts who have contributed to this initial success - it has been a federal and still unifying exercise.
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March 2022: ANDRITZ and EGAT cooperate on joint development and modernization of hydropower business
International technology group ANDRITZ and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly explore and expand business opportunities for hydropower projects in Thailand and surrounding countries.
EGAT is the state-owned power utility under the Ministry of Energy and the largest power producer and supplier in Thailand.
Read more in the press release
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March 2022: Wehr, Germany – Signing of follow-up order for generator rehabilitation
After the successful commissioning of the generator unit B09 in November 2021, ANDRITZ is happy to now be awarded the follow-up order of the next unit to be rehabilitated at the Wehr pumped storage plant in Germany.
The pump storage plant Wehr has a total capacity of about 910 MW (turbine mode) / 980 MW (pump mode) and provides about 1,000 GWh of clean and climate-friendly energy per year. With its four generating units, it is the biggest power plant of Schluchseewerk AG, which is mainly owned by EnBW and RWE.
The new generator for unit B10 will be a robust machine capable of withstanding a high number of load changes and with excellent efficiency. The air-cooled generator cooling system is reducing costs, improving maintenance friendliness, and increases the availability of the unit. Like the new generator for unit B09, which had to be redesigned especially to the requirements of Wehr, the new generator will be designed and manufactured in the Generator Competence Centers Vienna respectively Weiz, Austria.
The generators for the pumped storage plant Wehr set new records as they are the world's most powerful horizontally designed motor-generators with air cooling. We are proud to be part of this project and not only support our customer in rehabilitating this important power plant but to provide perfectly optimized and specified products.
Technical details:
Total output of the power plant: 910 MW (turbine) / 980 MW (pump)
Scope output: 300 MVA
Voltage: 21 kV
Av. Annual production: about 1000 GWh
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March 2022: Tekapo B, New Zealand - Turbine upgrade project installation complete
The last turbine at Tekapo B has been commissioned in February 2022 and has recently successfully completed its endurance run.
ANDRITZ is proud to have delivered another high efficiency turbine to a New Zealand customer.
At the end of 2016, ANDRITZ was awarded a contract for the refurbishment of the Tekapo B hydropower plant located at Lake Pukaki at the end of the Tekapo Canal in the South Island, New Zealand. The plant has two vertical Francis units with a combined capacity of about 160 MW. The owner, Genesis Energy, is one of the largest electricity generators and retailers in New Zealand. It owns a generation fleet comprised of thermal, hydro and wind generation, with a total MW generation capacity of 1,651 MW.
The upgrade significantly improves the efficiency of the turbine, reduces maintenance and complexity by eliminating the relief valve and has significantly improved hydraulic stability and vibration of the machine. The installation works included installing the new turbine parts, maintenance works on the generator stator and rotor, and repair of the retained parts.
This is another major project completed by ANDRITZ's installation team in New Zealand and has again demonstrated our commitment to partnering with our customers to deliver a high-quality machine assembly in the challenging COVID environment.
Technical data:
Output: 2 x 80 MW
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February 2022: ANDRITZ to modernize second generating unit at the Jebba hydropower plant in Nigeria
International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited for the modernization of another generating unit at the Jebba hydroelectric power plant on the Niger River.
This contract follows an order to modernize the first unit 2G6 received in January 2021. Commissioning has been scheduled for beginning of 2024.
Read more in the press release
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January 2022: Wehr, Germany –Commissioning of world’s most powerful horizontal generator
In November 2021, the commissioning of the new generator in the pumped storage power plant Wehr in Germany has successfully taken place and all guarantees were achieved.
The customer is highly satisfied with the ANDRITZ equipment and service. This milestone marks the end of a long road of a very challenging project.
Originally built in the 1970ies, the pumped storage plant Wehr has a total capacity of about 980 MW (910 MVA generators) and provides about 1,000 GWh of clean and renewable energy per year. With its four generating units, it is the biggest power plant of Schluchseewerk AG, which is owned by EnBW and RWE.
In the years 2008 to 2012, during a rehabilitation the generators were all replaced by new air-cooled ones. However, a short circuit of machine block B09 occurred in December 2019.
A new generator was needed, a robust machine with high availability, capable of withstanding a high number of load changes. After a long R&D design phase and numerous recalculations and simulations, ANDRITZ could present a convincing offer for a new, highly efficient, air-cooled generator including a new ventilation system. The design was very challenging with a nominal voltage of 21 kV, an unusual stator bar geometry and the re-using of the existing rotor. ANDRITZ put its best heads for generator design in the Generator Competence Centers Vienna and Weiz (Austria) to the project and they have impressively demonstrated their competence and willingness to exceed technological limits to supply perfectly optimized and specified products to our customers.
A very personal touch makes this project even more appreciated by us. One of our project managers, who was involved in the project from the beginning and was also one of the driving forces behind this excellent technical solution, Erwin Heimhilcher, unfortunately passed away during the implementation phase. To show our and the customer's appreciation, the B09 generator now bears its own name plaque showing his name.
With this successful project ANDRITZ sets new records as it is by far the world's most powerful horizontally designed engine generator with air cooling. We are proud to have been part of this challenging project and to have supported the customer in restoring the power plant to its full capacity.
TECHNICAL DETAILS:
Total output: 980 MW /910 MVA
Scope output: 300 MVA
Voltage: 21 kV
Av. Annual production: about 1000 GWh
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December 2021: ANDRITZ to supply complete electro- and hydro-mechanical equipment for the Nenggiri hydropower station, Malaysia
International technology group ANDRITZ – as part of a consortium – has signed a contract with TNBPG Hydro Nenggiri Sdn. Bhd. (a wholly owned subsidiary of TNB Power Generation Sdn Bhd.) to supply the complete electro- and hydro-mechanical equipment for the new Nenggiri Hydroelectric Project in Kelantan, the northeastern state of the Malay Peninsula.
Commissioning is scheduled for the middle of 2026. The contract value for ANDRITZ is more than 100 million euros.
Read more in the press release
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December 2021: ANDRITZ to supply electro-mechanical equipment for nine hydropower stations in Mexico
International technology group ANDRITZ has been selected by Comisión Federal de Electricidad, the national utility of Mexico, to modernize and upgrade nine hydropower stations.
ANDRITZ will execute the order together with three local companies – GENERMEX, Hydroproject and SEISA.
Read more in the press release
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November 2021: Kidston, Australia – Successful model test
In August 2021, the model test for the pump turbines of Kidston, a new pumped storage power plant in Australia, was carried out successfully.
ANDRITZ has received an order from the EPC contractors McConnell Dowell and John Holland to supply the electro-mechanical equipment for the 250-MW pumped storage plant in North Queensland. Kidston will be one of the world’s first to be co-located with a solar plant. The owner and developer of Kidston is Genex Power. Commissioning of the plant is expected in 2024.
The ANDRITZ scope of supply comprises design, manufacturing, supply, transportation, erection, and commissioning of two 125-MW reversible pump turbine units as well as full operation and maintenance services for more than 10 years.
In August, during four intensive days, the model test of the 125 MW reversible pump turbines was undertaken in the state-of-the-art ANDRITZ test bench in Graz, Austria. The team tested the turbine model according to all requirements and the model achieved best performance values. Manufacturing is now commencing.
This Project received funding from ARENA as part of ARENA’s Advancing Renewables Program".
Technical Details:
Total output: 250 MW
Scope output: 2 x 125 MW
Head: 218 m
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October 2021: Limberg III, Austria – Groundbreaking of Austria’s most modern pumped storage power plant
In September 2021, the groundbreaking for the new pumped storage power plant Limberg III in Austria took place.
High-ranking delegations of politics, economy and of course the customer and owner VERBUND celebrated the beginning of this future-oriented power station together in the powerhouse of the well-known Kaprun pumped storage plant.
With a big bang of the blasting of the drainage tunnel, not only the opening for the new power plant were celebrated, but also the works were brought a good deal further.
The Limberg III power plant project is a pumped storage power plant with a capacity of 480 MW in turbine mode as well as in pump mode and part of the Glockner-Kaprun power plant group in the heart of the Austrian Alps. Approved in 2017 and like the in 2011 commissioned Limberg II power plant, it is being constructed completely underground between the two existing reservoirs Mooserboden (maximum water level 2,036 m) and Wasserfallboden (maximum water level 1,672 m).
ANDRITZ was awarded a contract for the design and engineering of two variable-speed asynchronous motor-generators including excitation system in May 2021. The follow-up order for the supply of the machines is expected in early 2022.
Once completed, Limberg III will be a power plant with a design particularly tailored to the future needs of the energy transition. Special machine sets will be used that can react extremely flexible to the need for balancing and control energy in the grid. In view of the increasing requirements resulting from the expansion of volatile forms of power generation, these are important services for grid stability - one of the essential prerequisites for secure and efficient power supply.
Technical Details
Total output: 480 MW
Scope output: 2 x 280 MVA
Head: 360 m
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October 2021: Traunleiten, Austria – Official inauguration of prestigious hydropower plant
On September 18, 2021, the hydropower plant Traunleiten in Upper Austria, Austria was officially inaugurated under the presence of high-ranking political and economic delegation. In the speeches during the inauguration day, the importance of Traunleiten in the energy transition was particularly emphasized.
Located in the suburb of the city of Wels and in operation for 120 years, the hydropower plant was now completely replaced by a new construction and top modern electro-mechanical equipment. It was the largest project in its history for the owner, Wels Strom GmbH.
ANDRITZ was awarded a contract for the delivery of the two Compact Bulb Turbines and a substantial package of auxiliaries including the hydraulic power units, and cooling system. The two synchronous Bulb generators were manufactured at ANDRITZ's own workshop.
The pioneering hydropower plant on the Traun River was built in harmony with nature using top-tier technology within only 26 months. The project is targeting an 80% increase in power output with a hydroelectric power production of 91 GWh annually. Traunleiten together with the already existing hydropower plant provides sustainable and clean energy supply for over 60,000 local people for the next generations.
ANDRITZ is proud to be part of this trendsetting project and to support the supply of green secure electricity to the population of Wels.
Technical data:
Total output: 17.5 MW
Scope: 2 × 9.2 MW
Head: 15 m
Voltage: 10.5 kV
Speed: 200 rpm
Runner diameter: 3,100 mm
Av. annual production: 91 GWh
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October 2021: Port Albern, Austria - Upper segment of Austrias largest sliging gate now installed
After the installation of the lower segment of the new sliding gate in the Port Albern at beginning of September 2021, now on September 7th, the upper segment was also successfully installed.
In 2019, ANDRITZ has been awarded with the supply of the flood protection gate. Three submersible pumps with a total capacity of almost 2,000 l / sec will regulate the water level within the harbor basin. Other facilities such as an ice-free system, sill- and inlet structure flushing, and stop log for the gate chamber complement ANDRITZ’s scope. With a length of about 33 m, a height of 14 m and a weight of more than 250 tons this will be the largest sliding gate in Austria.
Both segments were manufactured in Turkey and were transported over more than 1,500 kilometers to their final destination – the Port Albern on the river Danube in Vienna, Austria.
The renewal of the sliding gate is part of a million-euro safety project along the Danube. The new sliding gate shall protect Port Albern and further strengthen this business location. With its five large granaries of a total capacity of 90,000 tons, Port Albern is one of the most important locations for the transshipment of grain in the east of Austria.
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September 2021: ANDRITZ to supply synchronous condensers for EnergyConnect, Australia
International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from SecureEnergy, a joint venture between the Spanish company Elecnor, an energy infrastructure specialist, and the Australian engineering and construction company Clough, to supply the electro-mechanical equipment for four synchronous condenser plants in New South Wales.
Transmission line in Australia
© TransGridThe first shipment of components will commence in 2022, with commissioning starting immediately afterwards.
The ANDRITZ scope of supply comprises the engineering, design, manufacture and delivery as well as technical consulting during installation and commissioning of four 120 MVA salient pole synchronous condensers, including the balance of plant equipment. All four condensers will be engineered, designed, and manufactured in Austria.
Read more in the press release
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July 2021: PSP Kidston, Australia – Ground-breaking Ceremony
After reaching financial close, the owner Genex Power invited to the ground-breaking ceremony for the 250 MW flagship project Kidston in Far North Queensland, Australia, on June 10, 2021.
Selected guests were transported with chartered flights from Cairns to Kidston to visit the site at the old abandoned gold mine, where the iconic pumped storage plant will be located. The ceremony included speeches, a site tour and interviews.
The first speech “Welcome to the country” was held by Jenny Lacey Director of Ewamian Aboriginal Corporation, followed by speeches from Ralph Craven, Chair Genex Power, and James Harding, CEO Genex Power; Federal & State Governments; State Member for Traeger, and The NAIF & ARENA.
In April 2021, ANDRITZ has received an order from a joint venture formed by EPC contractors McConnell Dowell and John Holland to supply the electro-mechanical equipment for the 250-MW Kidston pumped storage plant in North Queensland. Kidston will not only be Australia’s first pumped storage plant for more than 40 years, but also one of the world’s first to be co-located with a solar plant. Commissioning of the plant is expected in 2024.
The ANDRITZ scope of supply comprises design, manufacturing, supply, transportation, supervision of installation, and commissioning of two 125-MW reversible pump turbine units as well as full operation and maintenance services for more than 10 years.
This Project received funding from ARENA as part of "ARENA’s Advancing Renewables Program".
Technical Details:
Total output: 250 MW
Scope output: 2 x 125 MW
Head: 218 m
June 2021: ANDRITZ Hydro - Groundbreaking for the world’s most powerful test rig
On Jun-7th 2021, Mr. Markus Schneeberger, Chief Technology Officer of ANDRITZ Hydro, together with partners and ANDRITZ employees celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony for the new ANDRITZ test rig in Linz, Austria.
As one of the world’s major turbine manufacturers, ANDRITZ considers it vital to maintain a leadership role in research and development. However, this requires continued investment to elevate the current turbine model testing technology to new levels. In order to remain at the top, ANDRITZ has now initiated an extensive program of R&D investment at the core of which is a new high-performance test rig.
Fully compliant with the relevant IEC standard 60193 (hydraulic turbines, storage pumps and pump turbines – Model acceptance tests), this new test rig will be the strongest universal test bed in the world. As such it will be able to test any turbine type from a low head bulb unit up to high head multi-stage pumps and will be more than twice as strong as the most powerful test rig currently available at ANDRITZ. It will enable not only research work, but also performance testing for customer acceptance tests. It will help to meet the very highest standards and the most extreme customer expectations of state-of-the-art testing technology.
Performance Data
• Maximum testing head: 250 m
• Maximum discharge: 1.75 m3/s
• Maximum testing power: 1.25 MW
• Maximum torque: 6,000 Nm
The new test rig is expected to go into commercial operation by the end of 2021.
The whole team and especially the colleagues from our RD department are proud to be part of such an important project marking a milestone for ANDRITZ Hydro.
Read more about the test rig in Linz.
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May 2021: Gerlos 1, Austria – An entire new generator unit for important storage powerplant
ANDRITZ received a contract from VERBUND to supply one horizontal generator unit for the Gerlos I storage power plant right in the heart of the Alps, Tyrol, Austria.
Currently, four vertical, two-jet units (16 MW resp. 17 MW bottleneck capacity each), built in 1948, are in operation in the Gerlos I powerhouse. The planned project now envisages rebuilding the interior of the powerhouse with a new foundation and installation of one horizontal, six-jet Pelton unit instead.
The scope for ANDRITZ comprises an entire new generator set including auxiliaries, excitation, erection, and commissioning. The project will be executed by an Austrian team, the components will be manufactured in the ANDRITZ workshop in Weiz, Austria. Commissioning is scheduled for mid-2022.
The storage powerplant group Gerlos comprises the power plants Gerlos and Funsingau. Together they have a total output of about 225 MW and are producing 347 GWh of sustainable clean energy from natural inflow. The powerplant group is located in a well-developed valley in Austria, right in the heart of the Austrian Alps. The high mountain reservoir serves as a recreational area where people can go hiking, mountain biking, swimming, sailing and surfing.
The order for the new generator set for Gerlos I is proof of ANDRITZ’ good position in the Austrian hydropower market and excellent generator know-how.
Technical Details:
Scope output: 92 MVA
Head: 610 m
Speed: 500 rpm
Voltage: 12.5 kV
