2019-06-18
Hydro-Québec awards Rapide-Blanc contract for complete replacement of turbines and generators to Voith
- Hydro-Québec awarded Voith a major contract for the update of an 80 year-old power station
- Voith earns contract to replace six units, including turbines and generators
- Prior to installation in Québec, manufacturing will occur at multiple North American sites
The Rapide-Blanc generation station is located on the Saint-Maurice River, 66 km north of La Tuque, Québec. The station’s initial construction began in 1930 and was completed in 1934. All of the six units will be replaced. Four of the existing turbines were installed in 1934, which means that by the time the project is complete those units will have been in service for 90 years.
The contract for the new units calls for a complete replacement of removable turbine and generator parts, the refurbishment of all embedded components and installation of digitally-controlled governor units. The new units will also be more efficient and allow production of approximately 10% more energy with the same amount of water. The components will be designed to last at least 70 years.
The project includes manufacturing work in Ontario, Pennsylvania and Quebec, and the initial engineering activities have been underway since January 2019. Voith’s North American headquarters in York, Pennsylvania, will build the new runners whereas the generator coils will be manufactured in Mississauga, Ontario. Engineering and support functions are underway in Brossard, in York and in Vasteras, Sweden. The site work and assembly will then begin in 2021 and, after commissioning, the contract is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
Voith has experience on recent projects such as La Tuque and La Romaine-1, and has successfully delivered or refurbished 25 units for Hydro-Quebec during the last 15 years.
“We look forward to this opportunity to work closely and collaboratively with Hydro-Québec again,” Vallee said. “It has been a great, longstanding relationship and we’re eager to be a part of this important project.”
About Hydro-Québec
Hydro-Québec delivers reliable electric power and high-quality services. By developing hydraulic resources, Hydro-Québec makes a strong contribution to collective wealth and play a central role in the emergence of a low-carbon economy. As recognized leaders in hydropower and large transmission systems, Hydro-Québec exports clean, renewable power and commercialize their expertise and innovations on world markets. For more information, please visit the website www.hydroquebec.com and follow on Twitter @hydroquebec and Facebook facebook.com/hydroquebec1944.
About the company
The Voith Group is a global technology company. With its broad portfolio of systems, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets of energy, oil & gas, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive. Founded in 1867, the company today has more than 19,000 employees, sales of € 4.2 billion and locations in over 60 countries worldwide and is thus one of the larger family-owned companies in Europe.
More about the Voith Group
The Group Division Voith Hydro is part of the Voith Group and a leading full-line supplier as well as trusted partner for equipping hydropower plants. Voith develops customized, long-term solutions and services for large and small hydro plants all over the world. Its portfolio of products and services covers the entire life cycle and all major components for large and small hydro plants, from generators, turbines, pumps and automation systems, right through to spare parts, maintenance and training services, and digital solutions for intelligent hydropower.
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