With the addition of the new GTC to Tianjin facility, alstom Hydro China will become a full value chain entity with a wide array of activities, ranging from R&D, sales & marketing, engineering design, sourcing, manufacturing, project management, installation maintenance and service, the company said in a statement.
Combining global experts and skilled local engineers, the new GTC has already started its R&D activities, which include hydraulic, mechanical and electrical research and development and turbine scale model tests. An additional laboratory with a test stand enabling the model testing of hydraulic designs for Francis and Kaplan turbines is scheduled to enter operation in summer 2013.
“The initiative to establish a Global Technology Centre in Tianjin illustrates Alstom’s commitment to accelerate competence and R&D capabilities in China, bring our technology to local customers and support the clean energy growth in China and the global market as well”, said Jérôme Pécresse, President of Alstom’s Renewable Power Sector and Executive Vice-President of Alstom.
China is the largest hydro market in the world. According to Chinese government estimates, the Chinese hydro market is expected to grow by over 65% from 2011 to 2020 to reach an installed capacity of 380GW. By the end of 2015, China’s production of hydroelectricity is expected to reach 910BkWh, hydropower being the highest priority source of renewable energy in the country.
