GE Renewable Energy awarded contract for Tauernmoos Pumped Hydro Storage Power plant

• 2 years ago (2021-05-21)
• David Flin

Europe 1061 Hydropower 111

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GE Renewable Energy has announced that it has been selected by the Austrian National Railway Operator, ÖBB , to supply and commission two 85 MW variable speed pumped storage turbines for the new Tauernmoos Pumped Hydro Storage Plant located in the Stubachtal Valley in Austria. As part of the project, GE Renewable Energy will be responsible for the design, engineering, model testing, manufacturing, supply, erection supervision, and the commissioning of the two 85 MW variable speed pumped storage turbines and generators. The company’s scope also includes power transformers and power frequency converters as well as part of the balance of plant.

Tauernmoos will be the first new build Pumped Hydro Storage facility worldwide featuring fully-fed variable speed technology. The power plant will be designed for high flexibility and short response times to load changes. Unlike conventional fixed speed units, the variable speed operation allows for very quick starts and stops as well as fast transitions between turbine and pump operation. For a unit, variable speed can increase weighted efficiency in turbine mode by an average of 1 per cent and pumping power adjustment range by 30 per cent.