Model testing for an upgrade of the Rheinfelden run-of-river hydro power station has been completed, allowing engineering and manufacturing of the turbines to begin.
Located on the Rhine River between Switzerland and Germany, the plant was the first large hydroelectric power plant in Europe when commissioned in 1898.
voith-siemens Hydro will supply four 25MW Kaplan bulb turbines and a separate turbine for minimum flow purposes at the project. With the new units, the plant’s average annual production will be raised from 185GWh to 600GWh
Commercial operation for the EUR380M project is scheduled for 2010.
The turbine model was developed jointly by Voith Siemens Hydro and its Japanese subsidiary, Voith Fuji Hydro.