ENGIE’s refurbishment of First Hydro's Ffestiniog power station proceeds
Published by Naomi Holliman,
Digital Editorial Assistant
Energy Global,
ENGIE, the energy and service company, has confirmed that the first phases of its refurbishment work at Ffestiniog Power Station, part of the 2 GW First Hydro pumped storage operation in Wales, have been completed.
The £50 million refurbishment programme involves replacement of two 90 MW generating units (Units 1 and 2), extending their operational life for at least a further 20 years. Initial works have involved a complex series of procedures to prepare for the installation of new generating units.
By June 2019 both original units had been disassembled, providing the first access to the lower bearings and turbine, revealing substantial corrosion and confirming ENGIE’s decision to refurbish.
In addition, one of the two 200 m deep vertical hydraulic shafts is being refurbished, a new 2.7 km power supply to the upper reservoir has been installed and safety systems have been upgraded. Alongside these works, 60-year old control desks are being replaced in readiness for installation of new controllers that will place Ffestiniog at the leading edge of online diagnostics and condition monitoring.
Future planned works for mid-2019 include testing of Main Inlet Valves and pressure relief valves, installation of further power cables and refurbishment of additional areas of the hydraulic shaft.
The contract for the refurbishment of Units 1 and 2, agreed with German engineering firm Voith Hydro, covers the refurbishment of Units 1 and 2, with an option for the refurbishment of Units 3 and 4 at a later date.
Read the article online at: https://www.energyglobal.com/other-renewables/09072019/engies-refurbishment-of-first-hydros-ffestiniog-power-station-proceeds/
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