Alina Oprea • 23 October, 2023 at 9:30 AM
The energy producer Hidroelectrica has completed the modernization of the Slatina Hydropower Plant, an important objective in the company's portfolio. On Friday, October 20, 2023, the company signed the acceptance documents for the commissioning of hydro unit 1 of the Slatina Hydroelectric Plant. The modernization works were completed by Hidroserv, the total investment amounting to RON 26.81 million (€5.36 million).
"The modernization works were completed by Hidroserv, the total investment of Hidroelectrica amounting to RON 26.81 million. The Polytechnic University of Timișoara also contributed to the project, the institution's specialists developing the combinatory cam through measurements and index tests at constant power that allow avoiding the uncertainties of in-situ flow measurement, this represents a first for Romania", announces the state company.
The main purpose of the works was to prepare the equipment and installations of hydro unit 1 for a new operating cycle of at least 30 years.
The company states that the investment has become a necessity following the technical problems recorded. Thus, on 22.06.2009, the hydro unit was withdrawn from operation due to high oil losses in the regulation system, especially during start-up operations. Subsequent technical investigations revealed a cracked timing column and significant oil loss in the turbine rotor.
"The modernization of Hydrounit 1 within CHE Slatina marks the completion of a new stage in our mission to ensure a sustainable source of electricity for Romania. We are proud to have succeeded in restoring the efficient operation of this hydro unit, turning it into a vital asset for the national energy system. The investment we are finalizing today confirms Hidroelectrica's solid commitment to the development and modernization of the energy infrastructure, so that we can continue to provide green and safe electricity for all citizens", said Bogdan Badea, president of the Hidroelectrica directorate with the occasion of signing the acceptance documents.
Thus, the investment aimed at achieving the following key objectives:
1. Obtaining an operational availability coefficient equal to that calculated for similar equipment made after the year 2000, respectively ≥ 96.5%. This was possible by using a generator with technical parameters at least equal to those of the original project and by equipping the RAV and RAT installations to ensure the qualification of the hydro unit in the provision of system technological services.
2. Significant reduction of operating costs, including the costs of materials and maintenance and preventive maintenance activities, as well as the costs of maintenance work.
3. Equipping the hydrogen generator with a modern automation, management, and monitoring system, allowing it, in the future, to be managed from the SH Rm Vâlcea dispatch center.
During the modernization process, the contract - initially awarded to the Romelectro company, was terminated due to delays in February 2022, and later resumed by Hidroserv.
Hidroelectrica is the largest producer of green energy in Romania and the main provider of technological services needed in the National Energy System, being a vital company for a strategic sector, with implications for national security. The company operates a number of 187 power plants, with a hydropower capacity of 6.3 GW. Added to them is the Crucea wind farm, with an installed power of 108 MW.