Voith has received an order from Iberdrola Generación S.A. to modernise two additional pump-turbines at the Torrejón pumped-storage power plant in Spain.
The contract covers units 1 and 2 at the plant and follows Voith’s ongoing modernisation of pump-turbines 3 and 4 at the same site.
Torrejón pump-turbine modernisation extended
The new contract covers the two remaining pump-turbines at Torrejón. Each unit has a capacity of 32.5MW in turbine mode and 43MW in pump mode.
Work on the plant is scheduled to begin in 2027, with initial commissioning planned for 2028.
The order continues the phased modernisation of the plant and builds on an earlier contract awarded to Voith in 2020. That project covered pump-turbines at the Torrejón and Valdecañas hydropower plants on the River Tajo. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Variable-speed operation to improve flexibility
As with pump-turbines 3 and 4, the two additional units will be designed for variable-speed operation.
Voith said it will adapt key plant components so the turbine sets can respond more flexibly to grid fluctuations.
Compared with constant-speed operation, the company said the upgrade is intended to improve controllability and efficiency in both pump and turbine operation.
Iberdrola cites changing grid requirements
Fernando Perán Montero, Project Director at Iberdrola Generación S.A., said: “The modernization allows us to respond better to changing grid requirements and to better maximize the plant’s potential. For the implementation, we can build on the positive experiences gained during the first phase of the project. This made the decision to move forward to the next step much easier.“
The project reflects the role of pumped-storage hydropower in providing flexible capacity for power systems with growing levels of renewable generation.
Voith says existing assets can support future energy systems
Voith said the upgrades will adapt existing infrastructure to new operating requirements and strengthen hydropower’s role as a flexible component in the energy system.
Andi Schmiedel, Head of Proposal at Voith Hydro, said: “Such modernizations require a deep understanding of the plant and its integration into the overall system. We look forward to contributing our proven expertise here and continuing to implement the modernization of the site together with Iberdrola.”
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