The deal requires Alstom to overhaul the turbines and generators, as well as provide a new control system and auxiliary equipment.
Alstom plans to use local companies in implementation of the contract. One unit per year will be refurbished for the next eight years and the renovation is anticipated to be completed in 2022.
The renovation will increase the plant’s annual production capacity by about 20GWh.
The Riga facility is one of the three main hydropower plants in Latvia, which together generate over 50% of the country’s electricity.
The Riga plant generated 679GWh of energy in 2013. The rehabilitation will extend the facility’s lifetime for about 40 years.
Latvenergo production director Maris Kunickis said: "The Riga hydropower plant is strategically important for energy supply in Latvia, and we will be able to raise the efficiency of the hydropower plant and enhance its operation safety for the coming decades.
"We have chosen Alstom because they will implement specific solutions reducing the outage duration of each unit to the benefit of Latvenergo."
The refurbishment of Riga plant is part of Latvenergo’s €200m investment programme in the Daugava river hydropower facilities.
Image: The Riga hydropower plant generated 679GWh of energy in 2013. Photo: courtesy of Latvernergo.
