GE Vernova has secured a third quarter order with Dominion Energy for the modernisation of two hydropower units installed at the Saluda Hydro power plant in the US.
The hydropower plant is located on the Saluda River in the south eastern region of the US, approximately 10 miles west of the city of Columbia, South Carolina.
GE Vernova’s scope of work includes the engineering, procurement, construction and installation of an aerating turbine to replace the two turbines, as well as the rehabilitation of a generator.
The first unit is expected to be retrofitted by 2027.
GE Vernova has been developing patented aerating hydropower turbine technology.
In addition to extending the lifetime and enhancing the performance of the plant, the modernisation project will help to better maintain the water quality of the Saluda River by increasing dissolved oxygen (DO) through the implementation of GE Vernova’s aerating turbine technology.
These turbines oxygenate the water and ensure a minimum level of oxygen, contributing to protect aquatic life and the state’s natural resources.
Saluda Hydro has been in commercial operation since 1 December 1930 and its fifth hydropower unit was added in 1971 to increase the output and capacity of the dam to 206MW.
At the time, the hydropower dam was built to support the growth of the textile industry in Columbia through affordable and reliable energy supply, and for water supply, flood control, and recreation purposes.
The construction of the dam formed a 48,000 acres reservoir called Lake Murray. Today, Lake Murray is used by many South Carolina residents for fishing, paddling, swimming, and picnicking.
“Our current turbines at Saluda Hydro have performed safely and successfully for more than 90 years,” said Dominion Energy Vice President of Generation Iris Griffin.
“Investing in their replacement will help maintain the facility’s long-term reliability and, most importantly, continue to safely serve our customers for many years to come.”
Frederic Ribieras, Hydro Power CEO, GE Vernova, said: “Our team is delighted to bring its advanced solution to a site that has been serving the state for almost a century. This project shows that through both electricity generation and water management, hydropower can provide many benefits to communities, for a very long time”.