This is the fourth consecutive contract awarded by EDELCA to Alstom and is part of a complete modernization programme to extend the plant’s life by thirty years.
The construction of Simon Bolivar – Guri power plant began in 1963 with the last of a total of twenty turbines being installed in 1986. Its total capacity of 8850 MW makes it the third-largest hydro power plant in the world in terms of installed capacity. The modernization programme that is currently being carried out by EDELCA aims to progressively increase the plant’s availability to almost 90% by 2012. This will help to supply the energy needed to meet growing demand, Venezuela is indeed expected to install an extra 1000 MW per year over the next decade.
“We are very proud of our long-term partnership with EDELCA. This new refurbishment contract proves once again Alstom Hydro’s investment all along a plant’s lifecycle and is a clear sign of customer satisfaction,” said Philippe Cochet, President of Alstom Hydro. “Alstom’s goal is to get more CO2 free energy out of each drop of water, and the modernization of the Simón Bolívar – Guri power plant that EDELCA is undertaking will do just that.”
Alstom Hydrois a joint venture between Alstom and Bouygues.
