Latin America

Portugal inaugurates Alqueva pumped-storage hydroelectric project expansion

An extension of Portugal’s Alqueva pumped-storage hydroelectric plant has doubled its capacity to 520 MW.
Portugal inaugurates Alqueva pumped-storage hydroelectric project expansion

An extension of Portugal’s Alqueva pumped-storage hydroelectric plant has doubled its capacity to 520 MW.

The new addition — called the Alqueva 2 — was announced by utility company Energia de Portugal (EDP) in October 2007 as a means of storing power produced by southern Portugal’s booming wind power sector.

HydroWorld.com reported in September 2008 that EDP had awarded a contract worth US$138.3 million to a consortium consisting of Alstom (FR: ALO), EFACEC Engenharia S.A. and SMM of Portugal to equip the Alqueva 2 expansion.

Alstom said the group supplied, delivered and installed two 130 MW reversible pump-turbine hydro generators and other mechanical equipment, which were officially inaugurated during a ceremony this past week.

Alstom also previously supplied two 130 MW reversible pump-turbine hydro generators for the first phase of the Alqueva project, which has been in operation since 2004.