Alstom Hydro France, Alstom Russia and the Russian United Energy-Construction Corp (OEK) have signed a deal with RusHydro to modernize the Cascade of Kubansky hydropower plants in Russia.
The Kubansky Cascade hydropower plant complex includes eight hydropower plants and one pumped storage power plant, with a total generating capacity of over 460MW.
Upon completion of the modernization project, the total capacity is expected to increase from 10% to 20% (up to 550MW).
Alstom will carry out the rehabilitation of electro and hydro mechanical equipment as well as install a new instrumentation and control system, while OEK will be responsible for all civil works.
Part of the equipment for the modernization of the power plants will be provided by a joint hydropower manufacturing facility to be built by RusHydro and Alstom in Ufa City in the Republic of Bashkortostan, Russia.
According to Alstom, the rehabilitation project may take between six to ten years.
The Kubansky Cascade hydropower plant complex is situated on the Kuban River and extends for 235 kms.