Voith hydropower modernisation efforts in southern Europe have advanced following the award of a new service contract at the Santa Uxía I hydropower station in Galicia, Spain.
Global technology company Voith has been selected to supply two new Francis turbine runners for the plant, marking its first major project with operator XEAL (Xallas Electricidad y Aleaciones SA).
Voith hydropower modernisation at Santa Uxía
The Santa Uxía I facility is equipped with two vertical Francis spiral turbines. Under the new contract, Voith will replace both runners as part of a targeted modernisation programme designed to improve operating efficiency and extend the service life of the machines.
Crucially, the new runners will be installed without altering the plant’s existing technical layout, allowing performance improvements while avoiding major structural changes. Voith’s scope of work also includes dismantling activities, installation support and refurbishment of selected components.
According to Voith, the upgrade will increase hydraulic efficiency, reduce mechanical wear and support more flexible operation while maintaining compatibility with the existing infrastructure.
Service-led approach and long-term performance
The contract follows a series of prior service interventions carried out by Voith at the site, which helped build technical understanding and operational trust between the two companies.
During final negotiations, XEAL cited Voith’s understanding of the plant’s operational requirements as a key factor in the award decision, alongside commercial considerations.
The project reflects a wider trend in the hydropower sector towards lifecycle optimisation, where upgrading core components can deliver efficiency gains and reliability improvements without the need for new-build infrastructure.
Strengthening hydropower services in Europe
The Santa Uxía project further strengthens Voith’s service footprint in Spain and supports its wider European hydropower operations. Building on an established operational expenditure (OPEX) service track record, the contract also opens opportunities for future digital and optimisation services.
Aitor Aierbe, Head of HyService and Sales at Voith Hydro, said the agreement provides a foundation for longer-term collaboration at the site.
Hydropower remains a cornerstone of Europe’s renewable electricity system, providing dispatchable low-carbon power and system flexibility. Modernisation projects such as this are increasingly viewed as critical to maintaining performance and resilience as power systems decarbonise.
