From high-head, low-flow installations in remote communities to large-scale expansions of existing assets, recent projects delivered by Gugler highlight how tailored turbine engineering, smart integration and long-term thinking can unlock reliable renewable power in some of the world’s most demanding environments. Spanning Europe, South America and Asia, these projects show how modern hydropower is not only generating electricity, but also supporting energy security, economic development and community resilience.
In March 2025, the Haut Fournel Hydropower Plant in France became fully operational, utilising Gugler’s Francis turbine technology. Here the company supplied: Turbine I – 746kW, 1.39m3/sec, 480mm runner diameter; Turbine II – 372kW, 0.70m3/sec, 380 mm runner diameter.; Both turbines operate with a head of 58.75m.
In June, the 1.68MW Kumu Hydropower Plant in Guyana was commissioned successfully. Following restoration of the 0.79MW Moco Moco plant in December 2024, these back-to-back turnkey projects now provide over 2MW of renewable power to meet Region Nine’s demanding high-head, low-flow conditions. Both Kumu and Moco Moco were delivered under Vidullanka PLC’s EPC contract with the Guyana Energy Agency.
Originally commissioned in 1999, the Moco Moco plant was damaged by a landslide in 2003 and had been out of service until the end of last year. Following its rehabilitation, the plant is now fully operational, with its capacity increased from the original 0.5MW to meet the region’s growing energy needs.
Located on the Moco Moco Creek, this plant features a high net head of 206.9m and a flow rate of 0.22 m3/sec. The plant operates with two Gugler horizontal Pelton turbines, each designed for high efficiency in challenging conditions, running at 1200 rpm, and now providing reliable, renewable energy to the Lethem area.
At the Kumu plant, Gugler’s scope of supply included a Pelton turbine (0.36m3/sec), generator, flywheel, HPU, inlet valve, control and protection equipment, switchgear, the auxiliary supply system, and SCADA.
A recent 24 hour trial saw Kumu and Moco Moco meet Lethem’s entire electricity demand with hydropower alone and annually they’ll be generating around 14,200MWh. Along with a local 1MW solar farm, Region Nine’s clean energy portfolio is helping to advance Guyana’s pillars of energy, food, and climate security.
“This project is not just about electricity,” Prime Miniter Mark Phillips said during the official commissioning of Kumu in July 2025. “It’s about building a platform for progress – supporting businesses, creating jobs, strengthening public services, and improving quality of life.”
Indeed local benefits of the two hydro projects include creating 20 jobs, providing stable power for schools, clinics, and agro processing; plus extended study hours via the internet.
Projects in Peru
In Peru, Gugler has also worked on the Anashironi hydropower plant. This new facility marks a major expansion of the existing Renovandes H1 plant, adding an entirely new turbine-generator unit that operates as an independent hydropower station under the name Anashironi.
By connecting the new unit to the existing water conveyance system of Renovandes H1, the project maximises site potential while avoiding the need for extensive new civil works.
Located at around 600m, the project takes advantage of local steep terrain and with abundant water resources is ideally suited for high head Pelton technology. Gugler supplied one 7.85 m3/sec Pelton turbine with a total output of 21.2MW operating at 302.9m head of water.
Milestone in Taiwan
A new milestone was reached in Taiwan, when Gugler worked on its first completed project in the country. Here the 1657kW Hushan hydropower plant demonstrated how modern hydropower can be efficiently integrated into essential public infrastructure.
Located near the city of Douliu, the hydro scheme utilises water flow from the nearby Hushan reservoir, which was originally built to provide drinking water to the Yunlin district. The project was carried in close partnership with AES Mega, a Taiwanese company focusing on sustainable energy development.
At the heart of the Hushan plant is a horizontal-axis Francis turbine which was custom-built with all key components engineered and assembled in Europe, then shipped to Taiwan by sea. Despite logistical challenges, including rerouting due to regional instability, Gugler says the project timeline remained on track.
One of the more technical challenges involved integrating the new turbine into the existing DN1800 penstock infrastructure. This required precise installation between fixed pipe axes and the inclusion of a bypass system, which guarantees uninterrupted water supply to the adjacent treatment plant even during maintenance.
Beyond its technical achievements, the Hushan power plant is also described as being architecturally impressive. Designed by Japanese architect Hojo Kenji, the building features large glass facades that offer visitors a direct view of the turbine and generator, combining functionality with aesthetic appeal.
Gugler in Vietnam
Vietnam’s demand for electricity has been rising rapidly in recent years, with hydropower playing a key role in this development. Indeed the recent commissioning of the 10.4MW Na An hydropower plant was the eleventh project Gugler has completed in the country.
Scope of supply for Na An included two 43.20 m3/sec Kaplan turbines, generator, HPU, and gearbox. The Na An is located close to the Nam Be 2 hydropower plant, another Gugler project equipped with two Francis turbines and a total capacity of 11.5MW.
In 2024 the company also worked at Nam Cuoi Hydropower Plant in northern Vietnam. Generating 12.2MW of power, this plant features two Francis turbines, each designed for a flow of 15.2m3/sec and a head of 46m.
