Tractebel will support the refurbishment of the Dinorwig pumped storage power plant in North Wales, the largest facility of its kind in the UK. The company has been appointed by First Hydro Company (FHC), which is majority owned by ENGIE, to provide technical assistance during the design phase of the upgrade programme.
Commissioned in 1983, Dinorwig has an installed capacity of around 1.8GW. The underground facility houses six fixed-speed Francis pump turbines, each rated at 313.5MW, and plays a key role in grid stability due to its fast response capability.
FHC, owned 75% by ENGIE and 25% by Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, has launched a full refurbishment of the plant as major electrical and mechanical components approach the end of their design life.
Tractebel’s role includes support across conceptual, basic and detailed design review. Its scope covers turbine hydraulic model testing, hydraulic transient calculations, turbine mechanical design, generator design, electrical and mechanical balance of plant, instrumentation and control systems, as well as risk management and quality assurance.
The refurbishment programme is divided into three stages. Stage 1 focuses on design and site surveys and is currently underway. Stage 2 will involve refurbishment of the first two units, while Stage 3 will address the remaining units.
Full completion is expected by 2035. The upgrade will replace and optimise key components to improve efficiency, reliability and operational flexibility.
