Voith wins major orders for pumped storage

23 February 2021


Voith Hydro has been awarded two major orders for pumped storage plants in Austria and Israel worth €80m. Pushed by global targets for reducing CO2 emissions, electricity generation from renewable sources, especially solar and wind, is currently enjoying encouraging growth. This, combined with new market requirements like electro-mobility, necessitates strengthened transmission grids and an expansion of energy storage systems. The Tyrolean company Tiroler Wasserkraft AG (TIWAG) is meeting these needs by building a large pumped storage facility. They have now engaged Voith Hydro to supply two pump turbines including all the necessary sub-systems for their Kühtai 2 project.

The Kühtai plant is an extension to the existing Sellrain-Silz power station complex. It will enable the production of renewable energy with flexible timescales as well as the interim storage of electricity from other energy sources. 

As well as functioning as a “green battery”, the facility will also increase the annual net energy production of the power station complex by 216 GWh. Voith Hydro also supplied the equipment for the power plant that went into operation in Kühtai 1 in 1979/80. The two new variable-speed pump turbines each with an output of 95 MW, as well as the necessary control technology and shut-off valves, are scheduled to begin operating in 2026.

Voith Hydro has also secured an order for pumped storage equipment in Israel. 

With a view to expanding renewable energies and stabilising its grid, the Israeli government had decided to expand their pumped storage capacity some years ago. Following a long and intensive project development phase, Voith Hydro was awarded the order for the Manara pumped storage plant at the beginning of February. The scope of supply includes the delivery and installation of the electrical and mechanical equipment for the complete power unit comprising pump turbine, motor-generator and control equipment including sub-systems. With an electrical output of 156 MW and a head of almost 700 m, the system is distinguished in particular by its fast response times to changing grid requirements.

The power plant will be located in the north of Israel. It will have two artificial reservoirs and the machine hall will be designed as an underground cavern. Following the construction of the facility, Voith Hydro together with other partners will also be responsible for the maintenance and operation of the pumped storage plant for the first three years.



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