Skip to main content
×

GE.com has been updated to serve our three go-forward companies.

Please visit these standalone sites for more information

GE Aerospace | GE Vernova | GE HealthCare 

Press Release

GE Renewable Energy Awarded Contract for New Build Tauernmoos Pumped Hydro Storage Power Plant

May 18, 2021
  • GE Renewable Energy to provide two 85 MW variable speed pumped storage units.
  • Tauernmoos is one of the first new build pumped hydro storage units worldwide to feature fully-fed variable speed technology
  • Operated by the Austrian Railway Company ÖBB, Tauernmoos will be a cornerstone for a sustainable, demand-oriented supply of traction power from hydropower

Paris, May 18, 2021 – GE Renewable Energy announced today that it has been selected by the Austrian National Railway Operator, ÖBB, to supply and commission two 85 MW variable speed pumped storage turbines for the new Tauernmoos Pumped Hydro Storage Power Plant located in the Stubachtal Valley/Austria. As part of the project, GE Renewable Energy will be responsible for the design, engineering, model testing, manufacturing, supply, erection supervision and the commissioning of the two 85 MW variable speed pumped storage turbines and generators. A special feature of the project is that GE is thus the only OEM to cover the entire scope of delivery of the machine sets. In addition, the company’s scope also includes power transformers and power frequency converters as well as part of the balance of plant.

“Thirty percent of the world’s hydro storage plants are equipped with GE’s technologies. Pumped Hydro Storage power plants enable long-duration, high-capacity storage to absorb surplus energy and to generate power during peak demands. They also provide system strength and inertia to the grid, safeguarding security and reliability of energy supply,” says Pascal Radue, CEO of GE Renewable Energy Hydro Solutions. He adds “We are delighted to join forces and help ÖBB Infrastructure AG demonstrate the role that hydro storage solutions can play in accelerating the energy transition.”

Tauernmoos will be the first new build Pumped Hydro Storage facility worldwide featuring fully-fed variable speed technology. The power plant will be designed for high flexibility and short response times to load changes. Unlike conventional fixed speed units, the variable speed operation allows for very quick starts and stops as well as fast transitions between turbine and pump operation. Among the most adaptable production systems, variable speed hydro storage units can store great quantities of immediately available electricity, giving the network greater flexibility, predictability and efficiency. For a unit, variable speed can increase weighted efficiency in turbine mode by an average of 1% and pumping power adjustment range by 30%. Thanks to the variable speed technology, Tauernmoos is going to be one of the most flexible pumped hydro storage plants globally.

###

About GE Renewable Energy
GE Renewable Energy is a $15,7 billion business which combines one of the broadest portfolios in the renewable energy industry to provide end-to-end solutions for our customers demanding reliable and affordable green power. Combining onshore and offshore wind, blades, hydro, storage, utility-scale solar, and grid solutions as well as hybrid renewables and digital services offerings, GE Renewable Energy has installed more than 400+ gigawatts of clean renewable energy and equipped more than 90 percent of utilities worldwide with its grid solutions. With nearly 40,000 employees present in more than 80 countries, GE Renewable Energy creates value for customers seeking to power the world with affordable, reliable and sustainable green electrons.
Follow us at www.ge.com/renewableenergy, on www.linkedin.com/company/gerenewableenergy, or on www.twitter.com/GErenewables

For media inquiries, please contact:

Waldemar Oldenburger
Communications, Hydro Solutions
GE Renewable Energy
+49 172 631 22 34
[email protected]

business unit
tags