Voith is modernizing two additional pump-turbines at the Torrejón hydroelectric power plant in Spain. The contract from Iberdrola Generación S.A. builds on an ongoing modernization project and continues the collaboration on the phased modernization of the plant.
The new contract involves the modernization of the two remaining pump turbines, 1 and 2. Each of the two units has a capacity of 32.5 MW in turbine mode and of 43 megawatts in pump mode. Work on the plant is scheduled to begin in 2027, with initial commissioning planned for 2028. As with turbines 3 and 4 which Voith was contracted to modernize in 2020, these units will also be designed for variable-speed operation.
As part of the modernization, Voith is adapting key plant components to the requirements of variable-speed operation. In doing so, the company is creating the technical conditions necessary for the turbine sets to respond more flexibly to fluctuations in the power grid in the future. Compared to the previous operation at constant speed, this enables improved controllability as well as efficiency gains in pump and turbine operation—a significant contribution to the future viability of the existing plant.
“The modernization allows us to respond better to changing grid requirements and to better maximize the plant’s potential,” says Fernando Perán Montero, Project Director at Iberdrola Generación S.A. “For the implementation, we can build on the positive experiences gained during the first phase of the project. This made the decision to move forward to the next step much easier.“
The upgrades will adapt the proven infrastructure to new requirements, further strengthening the role of hydropower as a flexible component in the energy system. “Such modernizations require a deep understanding of the plant and its integration into the overall system,” says Andi Schmiedel, Head of Proposal at Voith Hydro. “We look forward to contributing our proven expertise here and continuing to implement the modernization of the site together with Iberdrola.”
