International technology group ANDRITZ has signed a contract with Companhia Hidrelétrica do São Francisco (CHESF) to perform complete modernization and digitalization of the Sobradinho hydropower plant located on the São Francisco river, Bahia state, in the northeastern region of Brazil.
The order value is more than 40 million euros, and the project is expected to be completed in 2025.
The ANDRITZ scope of supply comprises new electro-mechanical equipment, including medium and low voltage cubicles, automation and control systems for the powerhouse, spillway and water intake, conditioning monitoring system, HIPASE technology for synchronization, excitation, turbine governor and protection, repair services for step-up and station service transformers, cooling and ventilation systems, intake gates and – as an option – overhaul of the six vertical Kaplan turbines. The contract also includes engineering (basic and detailed design), overall project management, supply of equipment and installation materials, as well as field installation services and training.
Founded in 1948, CHESF is a subsidiary of Eletrobrás and one of the largest power generation and transmission utilities in Brazil, with a total installed capacity of 10,670 MW. After more than 40 years of operation, the Sobradinho hydropower plant (with a total installed capacity of 1,050 MW) will undergo a full technological upgrade. Installation of advanced digital automation and control equipment by ANDRITZ will extend the lifetime of the plant and ensure safe and reliable operations in the future.
ANDRITZ is one of the few global suppliers that has reference projects and expertise to execute modernization projects of this magnitude. The award of this contract is a very important milestone for ANDRITZ, which has once again confirmed its position as a leading company in the supply of electro-mechanical equipment and solutions for the hydropower industry.
