Extensive general overhaul completed: Hydropower plants in Pfreimd back on the grid

• ENGIE Deutschland has completed the reconditioning program of the Pfreimd power plant group as planned
   
• In total, the specialist for technology, energy and service has invested more than ten million euros in the overhaul
   
• This will be followed in spring 2021 by the renewal of the major mechanical components
   

Berlin/Pfreimd - ENGIE Deutschland has completed the reconditioning program of the Pfreimd power plant group as planned last Friday, September 11, 2020. The major reconditioning was launched at the beginning of May this year. Parts of the plants were refurbished. The four transformers connecting the pumps and turbines to the 110-kilovolt power grid were central to the work. In addition, the Reisach power plant's pumped storage units were equipped with modernized turbine control software; This gave them further functions which are useful for the marketing of the energy services. In addition, the electrical protection of the generators at the Reisach power plant and their excitation system have been renewed. In the general overhaul, ENGIE Deutschland relied on cooperation with a large number of regional companies: The contractors ranged from the large transformer manufacturer to construction companies to scaffolding and assembly companies. All work was carried out under strict covid-19 safety precautions.

Scheduled recommissioning
In August, the installation work was so far advanced that ENGIE Deutschland could already begin the gradual commissioning of the pumped storage units equipped with new turbine regulators. Despite the additional effort caused by Covid-19, the specialist for technology, energy and service completed the reconditioning program for 2020 as planned on September 11. The installation of new shut-off valves had to be postponed due to the corona pandemic, because the components could not be delivered in time. However, the required large components will be available shortly and will then be installed as part of the 2021 reconditioning program. In this context, the Rabenleite high reservoir will be emptied in spring 2021.

Important contribution to climate neutrality
With the reconditioning, ENGIE Deutschland has invested more than ten million euros in the site, which makes a significant contribution to the transition to climate neutrality. The power plant not only generates CO₂-free electricity in hydro-electric power plants, but also contributes to the stabilization of the grids with the pumped storage power plants. ENGIE undertook the last major overhaul of the plant in 2015; In addition to the structural repair of the underground pressure tunnels and the high reservoir, the company had updated numerous mechanical, electrotechnical and control system components, particularly at the Tanzmühle power plant.  

Successful overhaul of the hydropower plants in Pfreimd: The Schwandner employees are positioning the new 40 MVA transformer at the Tanzmühle power plant.

ENGIE Deutschland/Schwandner