Due for completion in early 2012, the so-called Alqueva II project is in line with the Portuguese government’s plan to construct 10 new dams and exploit 70 per cent of the country’s hydro potential by 2020.
Alstom will supply, deliver and install two 130MW reversible turbine-generator units and other mechanical equipment to the plant, increasing total power output to 520MW.
EFACEC Engenharia and SMM will be responsible for the balance of plant and erection at the site respectively. The Alqueva pumped storage power plant, in operation since 2004, currently employs two 130MW reversible turbine-generator units, also supplied by Alstom.
Exploring the potential of hydropower is a key priority for the Portuguese government, which has one of the most ambitious renewable energy targets in Europe.
Separately, Alstom Hydro has won a contract with Suez Energy Central America (SECA) worth more than €60m to supply electromechanical equipment to three new hydro power plants on the Chiriqui River in Panama.
Under the terms of the contract, awarded in August to a consortium led by Alstom Hydro, the company will supply the turbines, generators and hydromechanical and lifting equipment to the Gualaca, Lorena and Prudencia power plants. Delivery is scheduled to take place between August 2009 and February 2011.
The equipment will be manufactured at Alstom Hydro’s factory in Taubaté, Brazil.
Hydroelectric-installed capacity in Latin America, including Brazil and Paraguay, is 143.8GW, of which Alstom currently holds a 25 per cent share.
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