Upgrading existing hydropower projects is one of the most attractive renewable energy options available today. As  many projects near the end of their service lives or enter relicensing, owners are  evaluating how best to:

• Extend plant service life
• Increase plant efficiency or capacity
• Increase energy and ancillary services revenue
• Modernize aging control or communications systems
• Cost-effectively address related environmental issues

Upgrades are a specialized area where practical experience is invaluable in evaluating aging plant and identifying the best upgrade solution.  CAI provides Owners the following expertise:

Plant Condition Assessment

• Plant inspection
• Equipment inventory
• Forensic/failure analysis
• Residual service life assessment

Upgrade Assessment

• Efficiency  optimization
• Capacity upgrading/repowering evaluations
• Operations/generation modelling
• Turbine/hydromechanical upgrades
• Generator/electrical  upgrades
• Control system upgrades

Implementation

• Development of bid packages
• Negotiation with equipment vendors
• Construction management
• Commissioning and startup