The 90-year old Dniper 1 project on the Dnieper River, Ukraine, will see its output increase, along with safety and reliability improvements, following the award of a EUR60 million contract to Andritz Hydro.
Ukrainian state-owned utility Ukrhydroenergo awarded the contract, which includes the complete rehabilitation of three 75MW Francis turbines and generators, including dismantling, supply of new equipment, installation, and testing. Except for the embedded parts, all major components will be replaced by new equipment.
A hydraulic model test will allow optimum performance of the new turbines to be defined and demonstrated within the geometric conditions of the existing powerhouse.
The project is part of a rehabilitation program financed by the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The upgrade work is expected to be completed by the end of 2021.
Ukrhydroenergo currently owns and operates nine hydropower stations with a total of 102 turbine generator sets and a capacity of 5744MW on the rivers Dnieper and Dniester. After completion of this rehabilitation program, the company’s contribution to the country’s electricity supply will be more than 15%.
Dnipro 1 was the first hydropower plant on the Dnieper River and was built between 1927 and 1932.
