OREANDA-NEWS. OJSC Irkutskenergo has signed a contract with OJSC Power Machines for the delivery of four rotor wheels for water turbines at the Ust-Ilimskaya HPP. The decision to replace rotor wheels was based on positive results achieved by the Company at the Bratskaya HPP. We would like to remind that at the Ust-Ilimskaya HPP, there are 16 hydroelectric units fitted with RO-100/810-VM-550 Francis turbines. At the first stage, the Company plans to replace rotor wheels at four hydroelectric units: Nos. 2, 4, 10, 12, installing the rotor wheels during major repairs of the hydroelectric units and replacing one or two rotor wheels per year. The project is to be completed within five years. Total investments including related expenses will amount to approximately RUB 600 mln. The replacement is expected to result in an increase in the efficiency of the turbines to 96.7%, which is one of the highest levels in the Russian Federation.

During competitive tendering, suppliers were tasked with shifting the efficiency/capacity curve towards higher capacities. Thus, it became possible to raise the level of capacity where efficiency is maximized to 240 MW (by 20-30 MW). This will enable an increase in water flow through more economical hydroelectric units fitted with new rotor wheels, thus increasing the overall efficiency of the HPP. This is expected to result in a rise in the total output of the HPP by more than 350 GWh and a consequent increase in the Company's revenue, with production costs remaining almost flat. During a competitive tender among suppliers of rotor wheels, bids were submitted by six foreign and Russian bidders: Voith Hydro GmbH, Andritz Hydro GmbH, Alstom, OJSC Power Machines, OJSC TYAZHMASH and OJSC Turboatom.

Oleg Prichko, CEO of OJSC Irkutskenergo: “The tender has been won by OJSC Power Machines, which has offered the best cost, an acceptable payment scheme and good performance of new rotor wheels in terms of both their efficiency and the corresponding capacity. I would also like to emphasize that the contract contains clauses aimed at preventing potential deviations of efficiency after field tests from the levels set by the supplier. Under the contract, if such changes occur, the price will be revised accordingly to ensure that the rate of return remains high.”