GE wins $100 million deal for hydro pumped storage project in Israel

• 7 years ago (2017-08-14)
• David Flin

Hydroelectric 17 Middle East 326

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GE Renewable Energy has won a turnkey contract with Star Pumped Storage Ltd for the 344 MW Kokhav Hayarden hydro pumped storage station, the second to be installed in Israel. GE Renewable Energy also signed a 20-year O&M agreement, covering day-to-day operation and maintenance of the power plant.

GE Renewable Energy is responsible for the design, manufacture, supply, and installation of all electro-mechanical and hydro-mechanical equipment, as well as complete balance of plant for the two 172 MW pumped-storage units. The project will be executed by a consortium led by Chinese EPC SinoHydro. Project development is planned to last 52 months, with commissioning expected in 2021.

Yves Rannou, President and CEO of GE’s Hydro Solutions, said: “Hydro pumped storage enables the integration of new renewable and intermittent energies to the grid. In Israel, where solar energy is booming, hydro pumped storage plants are critical to securing the stability of the grid. We are committed to providing world-class technology and supporting our customer in operating the plant at its optimal level through its first 20 years of operation.”

Once commissioned, the Kokhav Hayarden hydro pumped storage plant will contribute to the stabilisation of Israel’s electricity grid, along with the neighbouring Gilboa plant, which GE Renewable Energy is providing on a similar turnkey package.