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.
The Voith Siemens Hydro scope of supply includes four 25 MW Kaplan bulb turbines and a separate turbine for minimum flow purposes. With the new units, the plant’s average annual production will be raised from 185 GWh to 600 GWh
Commercial operation for the €380 million project is scheduled for 2010.
The turbine model developed jointly by Voith Siemens Hydro and the its Japanese subsidiary, Voith Fuji Hydro.