GE Vernova Wins Contract to Modernise Dinorwig Hydropower Plant in Wales

GE Vernova has secured a contract from First Hydro Company, a joint venture between ENGIE and La Caisse, to replace two pumped storage generating units at the Dinorwig pumped storage hydropower station in North Wales. The project is part of a long-term modernisation programme to extend the operational life of the facility, which has been in operation for over 40 years and can supply up to 1,320 megawatts of electricity within 12 seconds. The full programme is expected to extend the station's operating life by at least 25 years. GE Vernova will provide upgraded motor generators, pump turbines, control systems, and power supply systems, with components sourced from facilities in France, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, and Switzerland. The contract follows successful model testing at GE Vernova's Grenoble laboratory. First Hydro Company owns and operates the Dinorwig and Ffestiniog pumped storage stations, which together provide 2.1 gigawatts of installed capacity, representing about 74% of the UK's pumped storage hydropower capacity.