Press Release
Zurich, Switzerland
30-03-2021
2 min read
Hitachi ABB Power Grids to upgrade key Yangtze River hydropower plant
Modernization will boost efficiency and utilization at the aging Geheyan Hydropower Plant
Hitachi ABB Power Grids will modernize Hubei Qingjiang Hydropower Development Company’s Geheyan hydropower plant in central China, upgrading its gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) and monitoring solution to enable the plant to continue to deliver stable and clean energy to the region.
Operational since 1994, the Geheyan hydropower plant was the first of its kind in Qingjiang River, a tributary of the Yangtze River. It plays an important role in China's hydropower development history and is contributing to China’s long-term goal of becoming carbon-neutral. With an installed capacity of 1.2 gigawatt (GW), it is the backbone power plant for peak load shifting and frequency regulation in central China’s power system. Over the years, it has contributed to social, economic and environmental developments in the region.
To ensure the aging power plant continues to operate smoothly, Hitachi ABB Power Grids will replace third party GIS, upgrade and install 550-kilovolt (kV), 220-kV GIS and high-voltage bushings for transformers. The equipment upgrade will greatly enhance the reliability of the power plant and minimize power losses.
“Our leading technology and services will help Hubei Qingjiang Hydropower Development Company upgrade its power plant, enabling online monitoring and reducing losses as well as decreasing fixed asset investment,” said Thomas Westman, Head of High Voltage Service, within Hitachi ABB Power Grids’ High Voltage Products business unit. “We will continue to work with customers to build a clean and efficient energy system through pioneering technologies and help China achieve its goal of carbon-neutrality."
Hitachi ABB Power Grids offers a wide portfolio of high-voltage services for the management of aging assets, including cost-effective upgrade, extension and retrofit programs that enable low-risk and phased migration to the latest technology. With service experts all around the globe, customers always have access to the latest high-voltage service technologies.
About Hitachi Energy
Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all. We serve customers in the utility, industry and infrastructure sectors with innovative solutions and services across the value chain. Together with customers and partners, we pioneer technologies and enable the digital transformation required to accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon-neutral future. We are advancing the world’s energy system to become more sustainable, flexible and secure whilst balancing social, environmental and economic value. Hitachi Energy has a proven track record and unparalleled installed base in more than 140 countries. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ around 38,000 people in 90 countries and generate business volumes of approximately $10 billion USD.
