GE Vernova (NYSE:GEV) has secured a contract from First Hydro Company, a joint venture between ENGIE and La Caisse, to replace two pumped storage generating units at the Dinorwig pumped storage hydropower station in North Wales.
The project forms part of a long-term modernisation programme designed to extend the operational life of one of the UK’s most important energy storage facilities.
Upgrade to Extend Plant Life by More Than 25 Years
The refurbishment is part of First Hydro’s wider replanting programme covering all six generating units at the Dinorwig facility, which has been in operation for more than four decades.
Capable of supplying up to 1,320 megawatts of electricity within 12 seconds from standby, the plant plays a key role in supporting grid stability and balancing renewable energy generation across the UK.
The full programme is expected to extend the station’s operating life by at least 25 years.
GE Vernova to Deliver New Equipment and Control Systems
Under the agreement, GE Vernova will provide upgraded motor generators and pump turbines, together with the refurbishment of key embedded components, including the spiral case, stay ring and draft tube.
The company will also install a new control system alongside upgraded low-voltage, medium-voltage and DC power supply systems.
The pump turbines were engineered at GE Vernova’s Grenoble, France, facility, while the motor generators were designed at its site in Birr, Switzerland.
European Expertise Supports Major Infrastructure Project
The contract follows the successful completion of pumped storage unit model testing at GE Vernova’s laboratory in Grenoble.
Additional project components will be supplied by several of the company’s European operations, including Variable Frequency Starting Equipment from its Power Conversion business in Germany, a protection system from its Grid Solutions division in Spain and a generator shaft manufactured by its Gas Power business in Switzerland.
“This contract marks an important milestone in our long-term investment programme at Dinorwig,” said Delphine Cherel-Sparham, Managing Director of ENGIE Hydro UK.
Through First Hydro Company, ENGIE and La Caisse own and operate the Dinorwig and Ffestiniog pumped storage stations in North Wales. Together, the two facilities provide 2.1 gigawatts of installed generating capacity, representing around 74% of the UK’s pumped storage hydropower capacity.
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