Alstom has signed two separate contracts to supply turbines, generators and other equipment to two hydro power stations in China, in deals totalling $US73M.

The first contract, signed with Hunan Zhongfang Tongwan Hydro, is for the supply of four 45MW Bulb turbine/generator units with runner diameters of 7.1m to the Tongwan hydropower station, located on the Yuan river in China’s southern Hunan province. Site work began in December 2004 and the first unit is expected to enter commercial operation at the end of 2007.

The second, where Alstom is in consortium with Harbin Electric Company, is for the supply of six 780MVA generators to the Xiaowan hydro power station (6 x 700MW), located on the Lancang river in China’s southwestern Yunan Province. The customer is Yunnan Huaneng Lancangjiang Hydropower Development. Commissioning of the first unit is scheduled for the beginning of 2009 and the completion of the project is expected by 2011.

Frederic Schneider-Maunoury, managing director of Alstom’s Hydro Power Business, said: ‘After an extremely successful year in 2004 in China we are indeed very pleased to start off 2005 with these two contracts.’